Veteran Today show star known for delivering baby on live TV dies at age 69: ‘He will be deeply missed’

Former Today show star Dr. Ric Porter has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 69.

Porter, a leading obstetrician and fertility specialist, was known to viewers as the host of Nine’s long-running ’90s lifestyle hit Good Medicine.

In his own field, Porter rose to fame as part of a team of doctors who performed the first IVF birth in NSW.

Porter later made headlines in 2003 when he became the first doctor to deliver a baby on live television.

Channel Nine News paid tribute to Porter in a bulletin on Saturday.

“Some sad news tonight,” host Georgie Gardner announced before telling viewers about Porter’s death from cancer.

After noting the doctor’s groundbreaking efforts in IVF, the network’s greetings to the fan favorite continued: “During his career, he delivered more than 5,000 babies.”

A sad-looking Gardner added: “He will be greatly missed.”

Porter joined Channel Nine with the debut of Good Medicine in 1993. It lasted nine years.

Porter made headlines in 2003 when he became the first doctor to deliver a baby on live television (pictured)

In his own field, Porter rose to fame as part of a team of doctors who performed the first IVF birth in NSW

Porter was part of a landmark moment in Australian TV history when he led a team that delivered a child live on television.

The caesarean section took place at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital and was captured by Today Show cameras.

Host Tracey Grimshaw was in the delivery room for the live cross while Dr. Porter guided viewers through the proceedings.

Viewers watched breathlessly as mother Leanne Cooper gave birth to Thomas Cooper.

Recalling the milestone event in 2022, Porter told Today viewers: “It went so well, it was a great morning and a good result.

‘The baby cried even though it had to cry, mom and dad were happy. And Tracey [Grimshaw] was quite emotional about it.’