July 11th 2024.
The beloved TV star Ray Martin has been making headlines lately, but this time it's for a more personal reason. The 79-year-old Australian broadcaster has been told that he only has about two years left to live. With this news, Ray has taken it upon himself to plan his own funeral. After all, he has been a fixture on TV for almost six decades, and is considered a national treasure in his home country. From presenting popular shows like A Current Affair, The Midday Show, and 60 Minutes, to being the most awarded TV star in Australia, Ray has certainly made his mark in the industry.
But now, he's shifting his focus to a subject that many of us try to avoid - death. In a new documentary series called Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye, he delves into the topic of death and explores the various trends, rituals, and technologies surrounding it. From talking to morticians, medical students, and undertakers, to meeting those who deny the concept of death altogether, Ray seeks to understand his country's relationship with this inevitable end.
As part of the baby boomer generation, Ray's average age of death is 83, but for men, it's reduced by two years. So, he's taking this opportunity to not only plan his own funeral, but also to learn about alternative options such as composting or cryonics - the process of freezing a body in hopes of being revived in the future. In his journey, he witnesses different ways people say goodbye to their loved ones, from traditional Samoan lullabies to extravagant firework farewells.
Despite his age, Ray has no plans of slowing down. In fact, he sees David Attenborough, who is in his 90s and still active in his career, as his role model. Ray believes that as long as you're doing what you love, age shouldn't be a factor in retirement. He speaks from experience, having worked tirelessly during his time as the ABC correspondent in New York. Looking back, he realizes that there were still things he wanted to do but didn't have the chance to.
The Last Goodbye, which will air on SBS in Australia, promises to be an eye-opening and thought-provoking series. And, as always, Ray is ready to take on this new challenge and make the most out of his remaining time. As he puts it, "You've got forever to sleep; you've got to have a go." So, let's all take a leaf out of Ray's book and make the most out of our time, just like he has. If you have a story to share or want to get in touch with Ray, don't hesitate to reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency. They'd be delighted to hear from you.
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