The media landscape has seen multiple iconic and influential people come and go.

This time, they bid their farewells to two figures who have left their mark in their respective industries.

Radio and television broadcaster Peter Waltham has passed away at 83 years old.

Waltham's career, which spanned over half a century, left behind a legacy that has shaped the broadcasting industry.

Peter Waltham's journey in broadcasting began in the sixties, a time of significant change and innovation in media.

He was one of the pioneering newsreaders at Channel Seven Perth, where he set a standard for excellence.

Fans and colleagues Peter Waltham and his work throughout his career. Image Credit: RadioInfo

His distinctive voice and authoritative presence behind the news desk became a trusted fixture across Western Australia.

However, Peter's talents were not confined to the TV screen.

He also made a significant mark on radio and spent 25 years of his career as a presenter on Curtin Radio.

His radio programs, including Down Memory Lane and Mornings, became a companion to listeners.

It also became a source of nostalgia and a celebration of music and stories that have spanned generations.

Peter Waltham's impact on the community extended beyond his on-air work.

Peter was a regular contributor to Channel Seven's long-running Telethon and gave back to charitable causes.

Tributes poured in from Peter's colleagues, listeners, and fans and paid tribute to an industry trailblazer.

'There was an aura about him as a news presenter,' former Seven presenter and current State Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas recounted.

'He was the one who gave me a spark going into news. I was told that if you wanted someone who could ad-lib with no preparation time, Peter Waltham was as good as you could get.'

Curtin FM, operated by Curtin University, honoured Peter on a social media post.

'Curtin FM 100.1 and Curtin University are deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Waltham—a cherished colleague, friend and veteran broadcaster who made an extraordinary contribution to Western Australia's media landscape,' they wrote in a statement.

'He never rushed past a fan, always willing to stop, have a chat and share a story. That easy rapport and steady presence made him a mate to many.'

Curtin Radio presenter Jamie Mercanti also paid tribute to the industry veteran.

'My immense gratitude for Peter's support and camaraderie since October 2022 when I started at Curtin Radio,' Mercanti shared.

'I am abundantly aware of the magnitude of Peter's career in the media and the honour of being in the presence of a true legend.'

Watch Jamie Mercanti's interview with Peter Waltham in this video by Curtin Radio:

Source: Curtin Radio/Facebook​

Listeners and fans also shared their memories and tributes to Peter Waltham.

One fan called him 'a true gentleman and a wonderful human being' who will be sorely missed.

Another listener fondly recalled Peter's news reading and his midday program, which featured a beautiful selection of songs that became a staple of their university days.

On the other side of the globe, Hollywood mourns the loss of another versatile and fearless actor.

Nicky Katt, known for his distinctive performances on-screen, has passed away at 54 years old.

Katt's death has left fans and colleagues reflecting on the impact he had on the film and television industry during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Nicky Katt (right) on Boiler Room (2000). Image Credit: IMdB

Nicky Katt's Hollywood journey was marked by a series of memorable characters that showed his ability to embody different personalities.

His breakout role came in Richard Linklater's cult classic Dazed and Confused (1993), where he portrayed Clint Bruno.

His performance captured the era's teen angst and rebellion and left a lasting impression on audiences.

Nicky Katt also played intense and complex characters, as seen in the 2000 film Boiler Room.

His portrayal of a broker in the film was seen as authentic and captivating, which ultimately contributed to the film's critical success.

Katt also made a significant mark in the television industry, as he played the unconventional geology teacher Harry Senate in the drama series Boston Public (2000).

His character's unique teaching methods and personal struggles resonated with viewers.

His versatility was also on display in Steven Soderbergh's Full Frontal (2002).

Soderbergh himself praised Katt's fearlessness as an actor, a sentiment echoed by many industry figures who have worked with him.

Katt's exploration of the entertainment industry continued with his role in the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra (2013), where he shared the screen with renowned actors Michael Douglas and Matt Damon.

His contributions to film and television were not limited to serious roles, as he also appeared in a 1996 episode of the American sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Despite his success, Katt kept a private life, with his personal life largely out of the spotlight.

Watch the ETimes' tribute for Nicky Katt here:

Source: ETimes/YouTube​

Katt's death was confirmed by Sloss Law's John Sloss, who was the actor's legal representative.

While the cause of death remains unknown, many fans and colleagues felt the loss.

Nicky Katt's final on-screen appearance was in an episode of the Hulu comedy series Casual (2018).

This final appearance marked a career filled with performances that will continue to be celebrated by fans and cinephiles alike.

Key Takeaways

• Australian radio and television presenter Peter Waltham has passed away at 83.
• Peter Waltham had a storied career in broadcasting, with careers in Channel Seven Perth and Curtin Radio.
• Many fans and colleagues remembered Waltham as a 'trailblazer' in the industry.
• Peter Waltham was remembered for his presence and was a cherished voice for generations of Curtin FM listeners.
• Hollywood movie actor Nicky Katt has died at 54 years old.
• He was known for his roles in films such as Dazed and Confused, Boiler Room, and the TV series Boston Public.
• His cause of death was not immediately available, and his legal representation at Sloss Law confirmed his death.
• Katt had his last acting role in 2018 in the Hulu comedy series Casual.

Our thoughts are with both Peter Waltham and Nicky Katt's families and loved ones during this difficult time.

May they both rest in peace.

 

[victoriajo]

Far too many long winding obituaries.

 

[HelenB55]

I’ve never heard of either of them.
But it’s still sad when someone passes.
RIP to both of them.

 

[sweetscent62]

Vale Peter Vale Nicky Condolences to their loved ones

 

[Barbara V]

I’ve never heard of either of them.
But it’s still sad when someone passes.
RIP to both of

Peter was WA based did chnl 7 and 9 then moved onto Curtin radio was there over 20yrs his music choices were great in his morning spot

 

[Ezzy]

Peter was a person we always looked forward to listening to every weekday morning. His introduction music @ 9 am was so zippy (for want of an expression), there was no mistaking it. His voice was authoritative & he was always interesting to listen to with interesting segments on his shows that kept me mesmerised.

Remember him well reading the news on t.v. & the Anchor Man at Telethons.

No one could miss his big smile which appeared to be a permanent fixture on his face.

We started listening to Curtin Radio in late 1999 - 2000. The music was great & presenters interesting to listen to. From that first day every radio in our home, garage or cars have been permanently set on Curtin Radio.

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE PETER. You gave us so much listening pleasure.

YOU HAVE LEFT A BIG PAIR OF SHOES WHICH WILL SURELY BE HARD TO FILL.

 

[EILEEN W]

Being involved myself in the entertainment industry I am always sad to hear of the passing of others who have become known through their acting or broadcasting talents. So many do not survive this demanding and fickle career into their later years. Those who do are rarely appreciated for the immense sacrifices such careers demand of them. That one hour episode you watch has taken weeks of demanding schedule, long hours of rehearsing and filming over and over, very early rises and often very late hours just to entertain you. But they do it because it is in their blood and they enjoy giving their best to please others.

 

[Clancieblue]

Being involved myself in the entertainment industry I am always sad to hear of the passing of others who have become known through their acting or broadcasting talents. So many do not survive this demanding and fickle career into their later years. Those who do are rarely appreciated for the immense sacrifices such careers demand of them. That one hour episode you watch has taken weeks of demanding schedule, long hours of rehearsing and filming over and over, very early rises and often very late hours just to entertain you. But they do it because it is in their blood and they enjoy giving their best to please others.

Sounds like a lot of other people's jobs. we all make choices.