Australian entertainment icon, “Mr Movies” Bill Collins has passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Foxtel has paid tribute to the film critic and film historian, radio and television presenter, journalist, author and lecturer.
“Bill was 84 and lived a life filled with love and devotion for and from his family,” the statement says.
“It was also filled with passion for movies and Hollywood and all the adventures and opportunities associated with his 55 year career in the entertainment industry.
“Bill introduced generations of Australians to the world of movies.
“His passion for filmmaking, his eye for detail and his knowledge of the work of the great screen talents, added with his natural charisma and spirited presentations, turned watching a movie presented by Bill into an ‘event'”.
Legendary “Mr Movies” Bill Collins has died at the age of 84.He presented his “Golden Years of Hollywood” on Network 10 throughout the 80s and early 90s. His wife Joan said “Bill’s love of film was encouraged by you, his audience, and his love of sharing his passion.”#BillCollins
— Angela Bishop (@AngelaBishop) June 21, 2019
Collins began his 55-years-long television career talking about film appreciation on the ABC’s Roundabout program in 1963.
He went on to work as a movie presenter at the Nine, Seven and Ten Networks before signing with Foxtel for its launch in 1995 where he continued to work until 2018.
“Our hearts are broken by the loss of our dear Bill – he will never be forgotten. 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,” Joan Collins, Bill’s wife of 36 years said in a statement.
“Darling Bill you will be loved and missed always.”
Sad to hear of the death of ‘Mr Movies’ – Bill Collins – who passed away in his sleep yesterday, June 20.
Bill was 84 and lived a life filled with love & devotion to film & his wife, Joan. He worked at nearly every network – and most recently at @foxtel #RIP #billcollins 🙏🏻📽🎥 pic.twitter.com/G93tBR1IoD— Melissa Hoyer (@melissahoyer) June 21, 2019
Collins received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Order of Australia Medal in 1987, the TV WEEK Hall of Fame Logie Award in 2009 and, in July 2013 he was presented with the inaugural ASTRA Award for Lifetime Achievement.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Dymocks Children’s Charities or Monika’s Doggie Rescue.
A private service to remember Collins will be held in coming days.
