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Foxtel executive Brian Walsh dies after decades-long media career

Richard Wilkins fought back tears as he spoke on Today Extra about the sudden death of industry legend and Foxtel executive, Brian Walsh.

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3 min read
March 17, 2023 - 1:15PM
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The television industry is in mourning following the sudden death of “much-loved” Foxtel executive Brian Walsh.

Walsh, the company’s executive director of drama and senior content consultant, passed away in Sydney on Thursday. He was 68.

Nine’s longtime entertainment editor, Richard Wilkins, became emotional as he broke the news on Today Extra on Friday morning, describing the TV veteran as “so loved”.

“So many close friends within the business and without the business,” he told his co-hosts, David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys.
“And a real pro - he worked his tail off.”

Jeffreys added that he was a “creative genius”.

“He genuinely cared about everything he produced, and everyone involved,” she said.

“He just loved the business, loved the people in the business, loved the business of the business,” Wilkins continued, visibly trying to hold back tears.

“He loved people... so many people. Sorry, I don’t know what to say.”

Wilkins’ became emotional on Today Extra on Friday. Picture: Nine
Wilkins’ became emotional on Today Extra on Friday. Picture: Nine
It came after the announcement of Walsh’s death. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
It came after the announcement of Walsh’s death. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Wilkins’ emotional TV tribute came after Foxtel confirmed the sad news in a statement released Friday morning, which recognised 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 bought to life through television. Australia’s creative community has lost a much-loved figure in Brian. For us, the loss is heavily felt,” Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said.

“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.”

‘Extraordinary life’

Walsh’s family released a statement on behalf of his sisters Maureen Walsh, Jeanette Walsh and Bernadette Walsh as well as Bernadette’s husband Wayne Cooper and Brian’s nieces and nephew.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of our beloved brother Brian. 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.”

Launched careers of Aussie stars

Walsh had begun his career in radio and later ended up at Network Ten, where he helped launch acclaimed series including Vietnam, The Bangkok Hilton and The Dirtwater Dynasty.

He’s been credited with the global success of Neighbours, playing a crucial role in helping Ten acquire and repackage the soap after it was dumped by Seven.

Walsh is also responsible for helping launch the careers of Aussie stars including Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce.

Walsh with actress Melissa George.
Walsh with actress Melissa George.

Walsh was a key player in the launch of Foxtel in 1995, and went on to oversee all scripted and unscripted commissions for the network, including Wentworth, Upright, Deadline Gallipoli, The Kettering Incident, The End, Colin From Accounts and The Twelve.

Shortly after news of his death was announced, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson expressed their shock and sadness, live on air.

“Loved Brian. It’s a real shock …. He was very passionate. He was Foxtel,” Henderson said.

Sandilands added: “Love to his family and friends and everyone at Foxtel. He 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.”

Other industry colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to the TV icon:

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/foxtel-executive-brian-walsh-dies-after-decadeslong-media-career/news-story/350f5bf70f0aac986d4afdb6cea30fba