Tributes flow following death of TV legend Brian Walsh

The family of media giant Brian Walsh say his death has left them “heartbroken” as they remember his life as “not wasted, but full and well-lived”.

Long-serving executive at Foxtel and “pioneer of radio and TV” Brian Walsh has died.

Walsh, who is credited with the global success of Neighbours, died in Sydney on Thursday.

Foxtel issued a statement on Friday announcing his passing and expressed its “profound sadness”.

He has been remembered as “an iconic figure throughout Foxtel’s 28-year history”.

Walsh has also been credited with launching the careers of Hollywood superstars Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, and Kylie Minogue.

“It is always very sad and in some ways shocking,” Foxtel Group chief executive Patrick Delany said on 2GB radio on Friday morning.

Margaret Pomeranz and Brian Walsh at the ASTRA Women in Television Breakfast in 2016.

“He was a very close friend of mine, a mentor and a legend.”

In a statement, Walsh’s family – sisters Maureen, Jeanette and Bernadette Walsh, brother-in-law Wayne Cooper and his nieces and nephews – said they were “deeply saddened and shocked” at the loss of their beloved Brian.

“There are no words to say just how heartbroken we are,” the statement said.

“(Brian) had an extraordinary life and accomplished so much. His contributions were celebrated and widely acknowledged. We will always remember him by his love of family, his generosity and the value he put on a life not wasted but full and well lived.

“His greatest gift was bringing joy to people including through the industry he was so passionate about and all those he collaborated with over so many years. We were so proud of him and we know Mum and Dad would have been too.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Brian. Details of how we will celebrate his life will follow but for now we remember our darling Brian and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”

Tributes are pouring in for the media industry “giant”, with Guy Pearce saying he was devastated by the loss of his long-time friend.

“I’m in shock & utterly devastated at the news of losing my long time friend & mentor Brian Walsh. Your compassion & support will never be forgotten mate, nor will ur guidance as we journeyed down Ramsay st & beyond. Love you Walshie. May you travel peacefully sweet friend. RIP xx”

I’m in shock & utterly devastated at the news of losing my long time friend & mentor Brian Walsh. Your compassion & support will never be forgotten mate, nor will ur guidance as we journeyed down Ramsay st & beyond. Love you Walshie. May you travel peacefully sweet friend. RIP xx

— Guy Pearce (@TheGuyPearce) March 16, 2023

Brian Walsh was a giant of this industry. He cared about Australia. He loved and back our Arts scene. He supported so many of us. He mentored. He nurtured. He laughed and loved. Lisa and I are devastated at this news. Walshie we will miss you. Vale.

— David Campbell OAM (@DavidCampbell73) March 16, 2023

Comedian, writer and composer Tim Minchin said Walsh was a “passionate ally”, telling a story of how they had disagreed about the direction of Upright season 2.

“As head of Drama at Foxtel, he was the lead commissioner of the show, so in the end, what he says goes,’’ Minchin wrote on Facebook.

“After 90 minutes of mutually respectful debate, he still disagreed with me! But he took my documents and said he’d go away and think about it. I was sure that meant he would reject my plea.

“A couple of days later, as I was standing at a baggage carousel in Perth, he rang me (personally, mind you), and with real joy in his voice told me he’d decided that even though he still disagreed with me, he wanted to honour my passion (obsessiveness?!) and let me have my way.”

Presenter David Campbell said Walsh was a “giant” of the industry.

“Brian Walsh was a giant of this industry. He cared about Australia. He loved and back our Arts scene. He supported so many of us. He mentored. He nurtured. He laughed and loved. Lisa and I are devastated at this news. Walshie we will miss you. Vale.”

Walsh has been remembered as a ‘giant’ of the media industry. Picture: John Feder

Walsh with Eddie McGuire. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Showbiz reporter Peter Ford said TV was in Walsh’s blood.

“So shocked & saddened to hear of the death of Foxtel’s Brian Walsh. Got me my first job in TV at Channel 10 Sydney about a 100 years ago. TV in his blood and a brilliant marketer. So instrumental in establishing Foxtel in Australia. Saw him a few weeks back at Molly’s 80th. Vale.”

Radio and former TV host Jim Wilson said: “A giant of our industry and very sad to hear Brian Walsh passed away yesterday, thoughts with loved ones #ValeWalshy”.

Radio host Ben Fordham wrote: “Rest in peace, Brian Walsh. A pioneer of radio and TV. He helped kick off the careers of Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue and many more. Love you forever Walshie”.

Rest in peace, Brian Walsh.

A pioneer of radio and TV.

He helped kick off the careers of Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue and many more.

Love you forever Walshie. #RIPBrianWalshpic.twitter.com/zK6yxTxgU0

— Ben Fordham (@BenFordham) March 16, 2023

Real Housewives of Melbourne star Jackie Gillies said Walsh always backed the show.

“Brian Walsh ... I can’t believe it! l’m in total shock!

“You believed in us and our show @rhomelbourne #rhomelbourne and supported so much of great Australian television and fought for proiects that others didn’t believe in!

“I’m grateful to have known you and had your support in filming @rhomelbourne you will be greatly missed ... Sending love and prayers to your family at this time.”

The cause of death is unknown.

Brian began his career with ABC before going into feature film production and distribution at Palm Beach Pictures and promotions and publicity at Sydney Radio Station 2SM. After five years at Radio 2SM, Brian joined Network TEN, where he launched major network events, including the acclaimed Kennedy Miller miniseries Vietnam, The Bangkok Hilton, and The Dirtwater Dynasty.