Ray Martin was on a roll Tuesday night.
The experienced journalist was a guest on The Cheap Seats to talk about his SBS documentary series in which he examines the cultural traditions surrounding death.
Tim McDonald used to joke about himself and say, “I’ve been dying for eight minutes every week.” This sometimes makes his humor fall flat.
Ray mumbled something, but Tim caught it and asked, “I said, ‘I’ve been dying for eight minutes every week,’ and you said?”
“I noticed that,” Ray joked, causing Tim to laugh. He added, “Thanks, Ray.”
Ray then gave him a kick in the ass and said, ‘Well, maybe you have an expert on this subject, Tim. They say that when you die, your life passes you by.’
This caused even more laughter from Tim, who took the rude comment as it was intended.
Ray presents the three-part series Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye from SBS, in which he examines various taboos surrounding death.
Ray Martin (pictured) was in full swing on Tuesday night. The veteran journalist appeared on The Cheap Seats to discuss his SBS documentary series, which explores cultural traditions surrounding death
Ray said in a statement that at 79, he is statistically just four years away from his own death. He will bring his signature style and humor to the show.
This series explores various trends and rituals surrounding funerals and answers some deep questions, including why people choose certain ceremonies, songs, and resting places.
Martin will discuss the topic with several celebrity guests on the show, including 61-year-old veteran presenter Gretel Killeen and comedian Alex Lee.
Bethan Arwel-Lewis, Editor-in-Chief of SBS, said: ‘At SBS we are not afraid to tackle topics that are sometimes provocative or difficult in our programming.
‘An investigation into death – one of our last taboos – is therefore the perfect subject to lift the lid. And who better to take us into this world and get us talking about death and even laughing about it than Ray Martin.’
Tim McDonald (right) joked about himself saying, “I’ve been dying for eight minutes every week,” meaning his humor sometimes falls flat and Ray always had a joke ready
The veteran journalist will present the three-part series, called Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye, which will explore the various taboos surrounding death
Last year, Martin stressed that he is still alive and that he is aging gracefully.
“I’m never going to retire. David Attenborough is in his 90s and he’s my role model. He says keep doing what you love,” he told Woman’s Day magazine.
He added that his workaholic lifestyle prevented him from enjoying the important things in life and that he would never make that mistake again.
‘I lived in New York for 10 years as an ABC correspondent, working eight days a week, and yet I still think about all the things I didn’t do that I should have done.
‘You have forever to sleep, you just have to try.’
The esteemed A Current Affair presenter added that as he gets older, he wants to spend more time than ever with his children Jenna and Luke and two grandchildren.
Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye premieres on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30 p.m. on SBS and SBS On Demand, and will air at the same time the following two Wednesdays.