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Foxtel executive Brian Walsh dies after four-decade career in media

A leading figure in the Australian media industry has died following an incredible career spanning four decades.

Madeleine Achenza and Aisling Brennan
6 min read
March 17, 2023 - 2:45PM
NCA NewsWire
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Foxtel executive and media industry leader Brian Walsh has died, with stars and friends paying tribute to the television “powerhouse”.

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

His family, including his sisters Maureen Walsh, Jeanette Walsh and Bernadette Walsh as well as Bernadette’s husband Wayne Cooper and Brian’s nieces and nephew, have paid tribute to the man who played a role in many Australian success stories across the media industry.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of our beloved brother Brian,” the Walsh family stated on Friday.

Foxtel executive Brian Walsh has died. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images for AFI
Foxtel executive Brian Walsh has died. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images for AFI

“There are no words to say just how heartbroken we are.

“He 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.”

Actors Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman were friends with Walsh, who is credited with helping launch the latter’s career. Picture: Jonathan Leibson/Getty
Actors Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman were friends with Walsh, who is credited with helping launch the latter’s career. Picture: Jonathan Leibson/Getty

Foxtel issued a statement on Friday announcing Walsh’s death 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.

Hollywood star Russell Crowe paid a moving tribute to his friend on Friday in comments to News Corp.

“Brian Walsh has been a huge influence in Australian media and television,” Mr Crowe said.

“Truly a ‘go to’ person who could get things done.

“He was a gentlemen, a believer, an innovator and a powerhouse.”

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

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

Walsh’s friends and fans have taken to social media to express their sadness at his sudden death.

2GB host Ben Fordham shared with listeners on Friday about the death of his “dear, dear friend”.

“Walshie was a pioneer for the pioneer of the media industry,” Fordham said.

Brian Walsh played a key role at Foxtel.
Brian Walsh played a key role at Foxtel.

“He’s responsible for discovering some of the biggest names in show business.

“He remained friends with all these people.

“He was just a lovely bloke, he was just a star. He was a behind the scenes guy, who was always looking out for others and looking for opportunities for other people.

“He was a humble and modest man, he preferred to stay out of the spotlight.”

Walsh with pop icon and singer Michael Jackson, who he acted as publicist for during his 1996 Australian tour.
Walsh with pop icon and singer Michael Jackson, who he acted as publicist for during his 1996 Australian tour.
Walsh with Maureen Duval with and Ita Buttrose at a Foxtel celebration in 2000.
Walsh with Maureen Duval with and Ita Buttrose at a Foxtel celebration in 2000.

Lisa Wilkinson shared her memories of Walsh on Friday, sending a note to 2GB about how she was “devastated” by the news.

“He was the first one to put me on television when he decided to bring back Beauty and the Beast back in the 1990s,” Fordham read out live on air on behalf of Ms Wilkinson.

“We remained a friend and mentor forever since.

“He gave me the best ever advice I’ve ever received about working in the media on the first day on set … his advice ‘get over yourselves, it’s only television’.”

Fordham said Walsh had only just finished renovating his home at Avoca on the NSW Central Coast.

“He was such a lovely bloke and I spent a lot of time with him up at Avoca, and he loved Avoca,” he said.

“One of the great disappointments of this news is that he won’t be able to enjoy (the renovations).

“But on the positive side because Walshie always looked on the bright side of life, he was able to enjoy it for a short time.”

Fordham said Walsh was “loved by so many people” and many couldn’t believe that he was gone.

“I’ve been talking during ad breaks and newsbreak to all range of people, including Ray Hadley because Ray knew and loved Walshie as well and we’ve all had the same reaction that we just can’t believe it,” Fordham said live on air and audibly upset by the news on Friday.

Walsh with actor Melissa George.
Walsh with actor Melissa George.

“He played a key role in launching many careers, including Hugh Jackman.

“He was also responsible for one of the greatest sports marketing campaigns ever because in the early 1990s when Tina Turner became the face of rugby league, Brian Walsh played a key role in making that happen.”

Walsh with Laura Jayes, Peter Stefanovic and Paul Whittaker at a Sky News event. Picture: Christian Gilles
Walsh with Laura Jayes, Peter Stefanovic and Paul Whittaker at a Sky News event. Picture: Christian Gilles

Speaking on 2GB, Mr Delaney said Walsh’s death would leave a lasting impact on the industry.

“Brian was a very close friend of mine, a mentor to me but many,” Mr Delaney said.

“I heard the news last night and had a dream that it wasn’t true … we need to honour who was this legend of the media industry.

“To start as a kid 2SM and then the glory days of the 10 Network … he was the one who famously moved Neighbours from Seven to Ten, and that launched Kylie and Jason Donovan‘s careers.

“But for all of us here at the Foxtel Group, he was probably the longest employee.

“I remember as a younger man in 1994, visiting the offices of Foxtel, before we were even on air, and he was there and one of I think three employees, as the director of television and shaped the whole of what we now know as the pay TV industry, which includes streaming, and was there from the start.

“There isn’t a decision, either from communications, PR, content, that he hasn’t been involved in in the Foxtel Group for like 28 years.

“So it is a very big passing – and PR people, media people like him, they don‘t want to be in front of the camera or to get any acclaim. He was always in the shadows, in a black suit.

Radio hosts Kyle and Jackie O reacted live on air to news of Walsh’s death.

“Loved Brian. It’s a real shock …. He was very passionate. He was Foxtel,” Jackie O said on Friday.

Kyle added Walsh was “one of the nice television types”.

“That’s a shock to the system. When people you know die, it’s a shock to the system. We were close,” Kyle said.

Walsh 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, Walsh joined Network TEN, where he launched major network events, including the acclaimed Kennedy Miller miniseries Vietnam, The Bangkok Hilton, and The Dirtwater Dynasty.

He’s also responsible for some of Australia’s most iconic moments in television marketing and publicity, including the creation of the Simply The Best season launch for the National Rugby League that featured Tina Turner.

He was also the creative force behind a series of blockbuster grand final and State of Origin entertainment shows.

Walsh also was the much-loved publicist for the largest Australian international concert tours, including by Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Ricky Martin and Barbra Streisand.

Foxtel confirmed Walsh’s death in a statement on Friday, paying tribute to his significant contribution to its programming throughout its 28-year history.

“This is a very difficult day for the Foxtel Group family, for Australia’s creative community and the millions of Australians who watched and loved the stories that Brian brought to life through television,” Mr Delany said

“Australia’s creative community has lost a much-loved figure in Brian. For us, the loss is heavily felt,”

“At the Foxtel Group, Brian was a long-time mentor, a confidant, a colleague and an unwavering friend to so many.

“Today, we are grieving Brian’s passing.

“Our condolences go to his family and to those closest to him. We have lost an icon of Australian television that will never be replaced. Rest in peace, Brian.”

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/celebrity-deaths/foxtel-executive-brian-walsh-dies-after-four-decade-career-in-media/news-story/2a8a5a4db5455feaf2392f1e409a3249