Ray Martin, born on December 20, 1944, (Age: 81 years old) in Richmond, New South Wales, is a legendary journalist and presenter. With a career spanning nearly 60 years, he has left a lasting mark on Australian journalism.
Ray Martin became well-known for hosting “60 Minutes,” “A Current Affair,” and “Midday.” He has won five Gold Logie Awards and is one of Australia’s most respected TV personalities.
Let’s take a closer look at Ray Martin’s biography, including details about his wife, children, family, education, career, achievements, controversies, net worth, height, facts, and more.
Ray Martin Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Raymond George Martin AM |
| Profession | Television Journalist and Presenter |
| Age | 81 years old |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1944 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Richmond, New South Wales, Australia |
| Current Address | Sydney, Australia |
| Email ID | Yet to be updated |
Ray Martin Wife, Children
Ray Martin is happily married to Dianne Martin. Their exact wedding date and venue are not publicly known, but their marriage has been strong for many years. Ray often praises Dianne for her unwavering support throughout his career.
Together, they have two children, a daughter, Jenna Martin [1], and a son, Luke Martin. Their other details are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Dianne Martin |
| Children | Son: Luke Martin Daughter: Jenna Martin |
Ray Martin Family
Ray Martin was born into a working-class family in Richmond, New South Wales. His father, George Grace [2], was a soldier, while his mother Mary Jane Martin [3] was a hard-working woman.
Ray grew up with three older sisters. Their names are yet to be updated, as he has always been private about his family background.
His early life was not easy, as his father left when Ray was young. Raised by his mother, he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and determination, which later shaped his successful career.
| Parent’s Name | Father: George Grace Mother: Mary Jane Martin |
| Siblings | Yet to be updated |
Ray Martin Education
Ray Martin attended Launceston College in Tasmania, where he developed an interest in storytelling and media. Yet the information about his schooling is to be updated.
For higher education, he enrolled at the University of Sydney, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His studies helped shape his career, giving him a strong foundation in communication and journalism.
| School | Yet to be updated |
| Alma Mater | University of Sydney |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor of Arts |
Ray Martin Career
Ray Martin’s journey in journalism began in 1965 when he joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) [4] as a cadet journalist. This was his first step into the world of media, where he developed his reporting and storytelling skills.
Breaking Into Television – ABC Years (1965-1978)
During his early years at ABC, Ray worked as a political reporter in Canberra. He covered major political events and interviewed top leaders, which helped him gain recognition for his sharp interviewing skills.
In the early 1970s, Ray was sent to New York as the ABC’s North American correspondent. This role allowed him to report on some of the biggest global events, including U.S. politics and international affairs.
Becoming a Household Name – Nine Network & “60 Minutes” (1978-1985)
In 1978, Ray Martin made a career-defining move by joining the Nine Network. He became one of the original reporters for the Australian version of “60 Minutes”, a groundbreaking current affairs show that brought investigative journalism to a new level.
On “60 Minutes,” [5] he interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and ordinary Australians with compelling stories. His ability to connect with people and ask tough questions made him a favourite among viewers.
The Face of Daytime TV – “Midday” with Ray Martin (1985-1993)
In 1985, Ray Martin transitioned from hard news to daytime television, becoming the host of the “Midday” show on Nine Network. The show was a mix of news, entertainment, celebrity interviews, and live performances.
Hosting “Midday” [6] showcased his versatility and he could handle serious interviews as well as lighthearted conversations with Hollywood stars.
He hosted the show for nearly a decade, making it one of the most popular daytime programs in Australian television history.
Prime-Time Success – “A Current Affair” (1994-1998, 2003-2005)
In 1994, Ray took over as the host of “A Current Affair”, a top-rated prime-time news show focusing on hard-hitting investigations, human-interest stories, and social issues.
His role in “A Current Affair” made him one of the most trusted journalists in the country.
After a few years away, he returned as the host again from 2003-2005, proving that his journalistic impact remained as strong as ever.
Later Career & Legacy (2006-Present)
Even after stepping away from full-time TV, Ray Martin has continued working on special projects, documentaries, and guest appearances. He remains active in public speaking, charity work, and mentoring young journalists.
In December 2024, he hosted “Tsunami: 20 Years On,” a powerful documentary reflecting on the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami [7]. He revisited Banda Aceh, Indonesia, reconnecting with survivors and examining the region’s recovery two decades later. The special aired on Channel 9 and 9Now, further proving his commitment to impactful storytelling.
Other Major Roles & Special Assignments
Apart from these major shows, Ray Martin worked on several special assignments:
- Hosted “Carols by Candlelight” [8] for many years, a beloved Australian Christmas tradition.
- Hosted major election coverage and special interviews with world leaders.
- Covered significant events, including the Sydney 2000 Olympics and national disasters.
| Year | Role | Organization |
| 1965 | Cadet Journalist | ABC |
| 1970s | North American Correspondent | ABC |
| 1978 | Reporter, “60 Minutes” | Nine Network |
| 1985-1993 | Host, “Midday with Ray Martin” | Nine Network |
| 1994-1998 | Host, “A Current Affair” | Nine Network |
| 2003-2005 | Host, “A Current Affair” | Nine Network |
| 2006-Present | Special Host, Documentaries, Guest Presenter | Various Networks (Nine, ABC, SBS) |
Awards & Achievements
Ray Martin’s exceptional journalism and television career have earned him numerous prestigious awards. His ability to connect with audiences and deliver powerful stories has made him one of Australia’s most celebrated TV personalities.
He has won five Gold Logie Awards, the highest honour in Australian television, and multiple Silver Logies. In recognition of his contributions to media and charity, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2010.
Below is a list of his major awards:
| Year | Award | Category |
| 1987 | Gold Logie Award | Most Popular TV Personality |
| 1993 | Gold Logie Award | Most Popular TV Personality |
| 1994 | Gold Logie Award | Most Popular TV Personality |
| 1995 | Gold Logie Award | Most Popular TV Personality |
| 1996 | Gold Logie Award | Most Popular TV Personality |
| 2010 | Member of the Order of Australia (AM) | Service to Media & Charity |
| TV Career | Multiple Silver Logie Awards | Best Presenter, Best Host |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame | Lifetime Achievement |
Books
Ray Martin has shared his experiences and insights through several books, covering his career, personal life, and passion for photography. His books provide a deeper look into his journalism journey and memorable encounters.
| Year | Book Title |
| 2007 | Ray Martin’s Favourites |
| 2010 | Ray Martin’s World |
| 2014 | Ray Martin: My Lucky Life |
| 2017 | Ray Martin’s Australia |
Ray Martin Net Worth, Salary
Ray Martin’s estimated net worth is around $2.5 million, but his annual salary is yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $2.5 Million |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Ray Martin Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Ray Martin stands out 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall, with grey hair and dark brown eyes he has become a signature look over the years, adding to his distinguished personality. However, his weight is yet to be updated.
| Height | In centimeters: 180 cm In meters: 1.80 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 11 inches |
| Weight | Yet to be updated |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Ray Martin Instagram, X
 raymondgmartin | |
| X |  @RayMartin |
Interesting Facts About Ray Martin
- Ray Martin’s real surname is Grace, but he changed it to Martin for his career.
- Ray grew up in a housing commission home with his mother and siblings.
- He started as a political reporter in Canberra before moving to TV.
- Martin worked as ABC’s North American correspondent in New York.
- He has interviewed five Australian Prime Ministers and global leaders.
- Ray is passionate about photography and has published a book on it.
- Ray Martin purchased a new residence in Cammeray, Sydney, for $4.25 million, following the sale of his previous home. [9]
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FAQs
How old is Ray Martin?
Ray Martin is 81 years old, he was born on December 20, 1944, in Richmond, New South Wales, Australia.
Why did Ray Martin change his name?
Ray changed his name from Raymond Grace to Ray Martin because “Martin” was his mother’s maiden name.
Is Ray Martin still married to Dianne?
Yes, Ray Martin is still married to Dianne, and they have been together for many years.
Does Ray Martin have children?
Yes, Ray has two children – a daughter, Jenna Martin, and a son, Luke Martin.
When did Ray Martin find out he was Aboriginal?
Ray Martin learned about his Aboriginal heritage later in life and now supports Indigenous rights.
Why is Ray Martin planning his funeral?
Martin planned his funeral in an SBS documentary to talk about death openly and help others do the same.
What books has Ray Martin written?
Ray Martin has written several books, including “Ray Martin’s Favourites,” “Ray Martin’s World,” and “My Lucky Life.”
What is Ray Martin’s net worth?
Ray’s estimated net worth is around $2.5 million.
How tall is Ray Martin?
Martin stands 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall.
