Tributes have flooded in for one of the television industry’s unsung heroes following the death of popular Seven sound recordist Sam Beattie.
The former Sunday Night news and current affair show crew member was found dead in his Sydney home last week.
The fishing enthusiast and avid gardener, who has struggled with depression in recent years, had been a long-serving crew member on Seven’s now-defunct current affairs staple before moving onto freelance documentaries and reality television.
Although audiences might not recognise Beattie’s name, tributes have flowed in from those who worked alongside ‘Sammy’ and got to experience his hard work and dedication first-hand.
Former Sunday Night star Steve Pennells told Inside Mail he learned a lot from the gregarious soundo on both a professional and personal level throughout their time together.
‘I’m deeply saddened to hear of Sam’s passing,’ Pennells said.
‘Sam was not only a brilliant sound recordist but also a kind and dependable colleague during my early years on Sunday Night.
‘I’ll never forget his calm professionalism and unwavering support, especially during a particularly challenging assignment in Lebanon.
‘The crew are rarely the faces of a show like that but the magic you saw on screen had more to do with their hard work than any of us.
‘Sam was one of the good ones. He was a joy to work with and will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to work alongside him.’
His thoughts were echoed by Sunday Night’s founding executive producer, Mark Llewellyn.
‘Sam Beattie was not only good at his job – in fact, very good – but more importantly he was a good man,’ he told Inside Mail.
‘His colleague’s loved him, and so did the interviewees he micced up on the road.
‘He had that great knack of making them feel relaxed and just that little bit more comfortable. Sam was just a top bloke and his loss is being keenly felt.
‘Like everyone who worked with Sam, I am lost for words. Too young. Just heartbreaking.’
Cameraman and close friend Andrew Eavis also shared a heartfelt tribute.
‘Vale – Sam Beattie. I will miss you my friend,’ he said.
‘I loved your dedication, your friendship and your entertaining company. This post is dedicated to you and all the people you made happy, there were so many.
‘I was fortunate to be a friend. Rest in peace, Sam.’
Seven’s flagship current affairs show was cancelled by the network in late 2019.
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