Australian television executive Brian Walsh dies

The longstanding television executive has been remembered as a legend in the media and entertainment industry in Australia.

Television executive Brian Walsh has been remembered as one of the media and entertainment ­industry’s finest figureheads who inspired many during his long-running career.

Industry heavyweights including Hugh Jackman, Deborra-Lee Furness, Guy Pearce and Eddie McGuire voiced their sadness after learning the Foxtel executive director of drama died at his Sydney home on Thursday, aged 67.

Graham McNeice, his best friend of 40 years, described Mr Walsh as a “pioneer and mentor of the television industry”.

“I’m in the same business as him and I wouldn’t make an important move without chatting with Brian and might I say, if he was making big decisions we would confer, that’s how close we were,” he said.

“He was the heart and soul of Foxtel, including the programming, all the shows and personnel, he was very caring. “No one has a production brain like him, he was amazing and he was constantly seeing people who were pitching ideas and he was encouraging them.”

The pair worked on many productions together over the past three decades.

The cause of Mr Walsh’s death remains unknown.

Brian Walsh and Paul Murray.

Melissa George and Brian Walsh.

News Corporation co-chairman Lachlan Murdoch said Mr Walsh had such a big impact on so many people throughout his career.

“Brian was a good man, a great friend, and a televison genius,” he said.

“His passing is a tremendous loss to all those who loved him and to the industry he helped shape over the last 40 years.”

Foxtel Group chief executive officer Patrick Delany paid tribute to Mr Walsh who helped establish Foxtel in 1995.

“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. Australia’s creative community has lost a much-loved figure in Brian,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Delany said that even though Walsh rose through the ranks “in an era where alpha male media executives were busy making the story about themselves, Brian’s position was to always put others before himself.

“He was also an extraordinary storyteller, and he had a great eye for what the public would see as the story,” Mr Delany said.

Mr Walsh had an extensive ­career as a highly-regarded media, entertainment and sports publicist and was also credited for the success of many TV shows including drama series Neighbours.

Jackman and wife Furness posted their condolences on ­Instagram, describing Mr Walsh as “the most generous, thoughtful, creative and authentic of men”. “Deb & I are devastated to hear of the passing of our dear, dear friend Brian Walsh,” the post read.

“For over 30 years, we have shared our lives personally and professionally.

“He championed both Deb and I at the very beginning of our ­careers.”

Brian Walsh, Laura Jayes, Peter Stefanovic and Paul Whittaker at the Sky News Lawyer X The Untold Story Screening held at Foxtel on Oxford in Paddington. Picture: Christian Gilles

Actor Pearce tweeted his sadness at learning of Mr Walsh’s death.

“I’m in shock & utterly devastated at the news of losing my long time friend & mentor Brian Walsh,” he wrote.

“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

TV presenter McGuire spoke fondly of Mr Walsh whom he said he met “when I was 18 at Channel 10”.

“Brian was all about show business, entertainment and the product, he was just a remarkable guy and we are all devastated,” he said.

“He’s in the top echelon, he started off on the factory floor but never became jaded, he loved stars and big productions and he was the essence of show business.

“Among all the sizzle, there was plenty of sausage as well, he knew how to produce a show, he knew the business side of it and he was so good for so long.”

Devastated to hear Brian Walsh who drove Australian drama at Foxtel has died.

Countless Australian stories were told and careers forged because of Brian’s vision, commitment and innate understanding of great storytelling.

Forever grateful for his contribution. RIP

— Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) March 16, 2023

On Sky News Australia on Friday morning host Laura Jayes said: “He was so old school in his politeness and his encouragement, he was formidable but just so lovely,” she said.

Mr Walsh also was the publicist for some of the nation’s largest international concert tours including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Ricky Martin and Barbra Streisand.

Among those to also pay tribute to him, Sydney 2GB breakfast radio host Ben Fordham posted on Twitter: “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.”

The legendary Brian Walsh has passed away.

He was a pioneer of the media industry.

He launched the careers of some of our biggest stars.

But above all - he was a great mate.

Rest in Peace, Walshie. https://t.co/GFliXoky4d

— Ben Fordham Live (@BenFordhamLive) March 16, 2023

Mr Walsh’s family, including his sisters Maureen, Jeanette and Bernadette and Bernadette’s husband Wayne Cooper, Brian’s ­nieces and nephew spoke of their sadness of his death.

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

“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.”

Originally published as Australian television executive Brian Walsh dies