Mike Willesee: don’t be sad — let’s celebrate the best we’ve seen

Mike Willesee. Picture: AAP

At the iconic, shiny television studio desk Michael Willesee was the icon.

He was a star, with a dangerous twinkle in the eye. He was also a brave, pioneering journalist. Now, that’s a pretty formidable cocktail.

But then, Willesee was formidable for more than 50 years. I was in the ABC’s Canberra office when he first auditioned for TV. It was an edgy, nightly show called This Day Tonight, which would set the parameters for decades to come. He was a newspaper boy at the time.

He got the job and the boy became The Man — in the turbulent world of television current affairs.

It was obvious from Willesee’s first step onto the studio floor back in 1967 that he had charisma. And class. You can’t buy that. You certainly can’t learn it in media school.

In his studio domain, Willesee oozed confidence — bordering on arrogance. Like Greg Chappell at the batting crease. Or Roger Federer at the baseline. If you are the best, why hide it? Willesee never did.

His old man was West Australian Labor stalwart senator Don Willesee.

But what were Willesee’s personal politics? I would defy anyone to pick them from his countless interviews. A number of political leaders would accuse him of bias. They always do. Certainly, his interviews with pollies were often tough, always well researched, but never rude.

The prime minister always got respect, even when he was getting a hiding.

Willesee’s trademark pause sank many a political pretender and suburban fraud.

He set the bar in Canberra for television journos and half a century later no one has jumped over it, although there have been some worthy attempts.

Beyond politics, Willesee introduced us to Quentin, the amazing little boy in the wheelchair with brittle bones.

He pulled Paul Hogan off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and kickstarted his spectacular comedy career. We’re all better off for getting to know both Hoges & “Q”.

Willesee knew in his soul that the news business doesn’t have to be boring. And it can’t afford to be worthy. He was rigid about those rules.

Willesee was always entertaining, no matter who he was interviewing. He had a lot of fun with Germaine Greer, of course. At least that’s what she said — admiringly.

Greer certainly didn’t hurt his well-earned reputation.

This weekend, the lights are off in Mike Willesee’s Studio No 1.

Don’t be sad. Let’s celebrate the best we’ve seen.

Ray Martin is a veteran television presenter of news and entertainment programs.