Film critic Bill Collins – known as ‘Mr Movies’ – who brought Hollywood to Australian living rooms dies aged 84
Film critic Bill Collins, who was known as Mr Movies, has died peacefully in his sleep aged 84.
His wife of 36 years, Joan, announced his passing in a moving statement on Friday.
She said: ‘Our hearts are broken by the loss of our dear Bill. How fortunate we were to have him in our lives.
‘On behalf of Bill’s family and myself, I would like to thank the public for the great support given to Bill over the years.
‘Bill’s love of film was encouraged by you, his audience, and his love of sharing his passion, which increased over the five decades that he presented on every Australian television.
‘Bill was always thrilled when he realised the joy and happiness he gave to his viewers. He never took them for granted, always wanting to please.’
Mr Collins made his TV debut on ABC show Roundabout in 1963.
From 1995, he worked for Foxtel, presenting films once a week.
When he stepped down in October last year, he said he was looking forward to spending time with his wife and ‘of course, watch more movies’.
He added: ‘I feel privileged to have been a gatekeeper, a tour guide if you like, to the many hundreds of motion pictures which have stood the test of time. If I have guided viewers to a new movie moment, that is the best compliment of all.’
Film critic Bill Collins has died aged 84