Brian Walsh dies: Richard Wilkins struggles to hold back tears for Foxtel boss
Richard Wilkins was emotional on Friday when he reacted to the death of legendary Australian television executive Brian Walsh live on additional today.
The 68-year-old entertainment editor for Nine described the Foxtel boss as a hard worker who never lost his passion for the TV business.
‘So in love. So many close friends in and out of the business,” Wilkins told co-hosts David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys.
And a true professional. He worked, he worked until exhaustion, ”he added.
Jeffreys commented that Walsh was a “creative genius”, but also a “really genuine and caring person”.
Richard Wilkins (pictured) was emotional on Friday when he reacted to the death of legendary Australian television executive Brian Walsh live on Today Extra
“He really cared about everything he produced and everyone involved,” she said.
Wilkins was emotional when he said: ‘I just loved the business, I loved the people in the business, I loved the business of the business, you know?
‘He loved people… So many people. I’m sorry I do not know what to say.
Campbell then took charge while paying his respects to Walsh’s family, adding that his death is a “great loss” to the industry.
Jeffreys commented that Walsh was a “creative genius”, but also a “really genuine and caring person”.
Wilkins was emotional as she said, “I just loved the business, I loved the people in the business, I loved the business of the business, you know?”
Walsh, who in a decades-long career in radio, film and television was responsible for many of Australia’s biggest entertainment exports, has died aged 68.
He was the main driver behind the worldwide success of the television series Neighbors and the launching of the careers of star Kylie Minogue., Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman.
Walsh, who was most recently an executive at Foxtel, was described by the company as “an iconic figure throughout Foxtel’s 28-year history and one of the most admired creative leaders in Australian television.”
After working in radio at a young age, Brian joined Network Ten where he launched major network events including Kennedy Miller’s acclaimed miniseries ‘Vietnam’, ‘The Bangkok Hilton’ and ‘The Dirtwater Dynasty’.
Legendary television executive Brian Walsh, the man behind the television series Neighbors and the careers of Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, has died at the age of 68.
Marta Dusseldorp speaks as Sam Neill and Brian Walsh look on during the cast announcement for Foxtel’s new original crime drama series ‘The Twelve’ in 2021
Brian Walsh is responsible for the worldwide success of the television series and the international career of Kylie Minogue (above with Jason Donovan in Neighbours).
Brian is also credited with responsibility for the international success of the iconic Australian family drama series, ‘Neighbours’ and launching the careers of Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce.
Kyle and Jackie O reacted live to the news of Walsh’s death with genuine shock and sadness.
Jackie O said: ‘I loved Brian. It is a real shock…. He was very passionate. It was Foxtel.
Kyle said: ‘Love to his family and friends and everyone at Foxtel. He was one of the good guys on TV.
That’s a shock to the system. When people you know die, it’s a shock to the system. We were close.
Walsh created the Simply The Best season launch for the National Rugby League featuring Tina Turner, and was also the creative force behind the rugby league grand final and State of Origin shows and events Entertainment.
He has also served as publicist for the Australian concert tours of megastars Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Ricky Martin and Barbra Streisand.
Two of Australia’s biggest stars, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman (above), have Brian Walsh in part to thank for their international acting careers.
At Foxtel, he had creative control on Australian television series including Wentworth, Upright, Deadline Gallipoli, The Kettering Incident, The End and most recently the award-winning globally syndicated series Love Me, Colin from Accounts and The Twelve.
As tributes rolled in for Walsh on Friday, commentator Prue MacSween described him as “larger than life, a kingmaker and a true showman… loyal, genuine and a huge loss.”
Lisa Wilkinson said that Brian was responsible for her early television career as a contestant on Beauty and the Beast.
In a statement expressing the deep sadness of the Foxtel Group, CEO Patrick Delany said: “This is a very difficult day for the Foxtel Group family, Australia’s creative community and the millions of Australians who have seen and loved the stories that Brian brought to life through television.
‘Australia’s creative community has lost a much loved figure in Brian. For us, the loss is very felt.
‘At Foxtel Group, Brian was a long-time mentor, confidante, colleague and unwavering friend to many. Today, we are mourning the death of Brian.
‘Our condolences go out to his family and those closest to him. We have lost an Australian television icon that will never be replaced. Rest in peace Brian.
Brian Walsh died in Sydney on Thursday.