Hugh Jackman shared a heartfelt tribute to Brian Walsh on Friday following the news of the legendary television executive’s death, aged 68.
The 54-year-old actor wrote a lengthy statement on behalf of himself and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness.
In his statement, Jackman said he and Furness were “devastated” by the loss of their “dear, dear friend” who launched the careers of Hollywood’s golden couple.
“For more than 30 years, we have shared our professional and personal lives,” he wrote.
‘He defended both Deb and me at the beginning of our careers. He believed in us, encouraged us, loved us and supported us at every step of our lives.’
Hugh Jackman shared a heartfelt tribute to Brian Walsh on Friday following news of the legendary television executive’s death at the age of 68. The 54-year-old actor wrote a lengthy statement on behalf of himself and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness.
The Wolverine star went on to say that Walsh not only helped the couple launch their careers in the film and television industry, but supported “the whole family.”
“Brian was the most generous, thoughtful, creative and authentic man,” Jackman added.
‘He made a huge difference in the lives of so many, and we will never forget him. We are sending love to his family. May he rest in peace.’
In his statement, Jackman said he and Furness are “devastated” by the loss of their “dear friend,” who launched the careers of Hollywood’s golden couple.
“Brian was the most generous, thoughtful, creative and authentic man,” Jackman added. Pictured: Brian Walsh in 2015
News of Walsh’s death was announced Friday morning.
Walsh, who in a decades-long career in radio, film and television was responsible for many of Australia’s biggest entertainment exports, was the main driver behind the worldwide success of the television series Neighbors and the launch of the races. of the stars Kylie Minogue., Jackman and Nicole Kidman.
The television executive, 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, 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.
