Beloved Today Tonight newsreader Yvette Mooney, whose career in the media spanned over two decades has sadly died at age 58.
Content Warning: This article discusses depression and suicide. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Mooney, who fought cancer for 16 years, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday night.
The popular journalist started her career with Seven News in Perth in 1984. Mooney’s career thrived and she became the first presenter of current affairs program Today Tonight. She then moved to work alongside Basil Zempilas on Perth at Five. Mooney stepped away from presenting news in 2008 after receiving her cancer diagnosis.
Perth news veterans Susannah Carr and Rick Ardon have made an emotional statement about their late colleague, saying she was “the complete package”.
“She was a really good journalist and was a beautiful girl both inside and out,” Carr told The West.
“Beautiful to look at, beautiful voice but a really nice nature and lovely to be around.”
Love Film & TV?
Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Ardon added, “Yvette always had a warmth about her and spoke really easily on camera,” he said.
“Some of us have to work at how we speak but with Yvette it just came naturally. She was a beautiful person and we’ll miss her.”
Mooney leaves behind her husband Phil and son Andre. Her family released a short statement about Mooney’s passing.
“Our hearts are broken but our precious angel Vetti is at peace after a long battle with cancer,” they wrote.
“Her grace and courage were an inspiration.”
“Yvette’s beautiful heart, kindness, wisdom and that gorgeous smile enriched our lives.”
The sad news of Mooney’s death comes just weeks after popular Studio 10 TV host Erin Jayne Plummer passed away. Plummer, who tragically died by suicide, was farewelled with an emotional funeral last week at the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and the Dee Why RSL.
For more on this topic, follow the Film and TV Observer.
