Nicole Kidman shared a moving tribute to Brian Walsh following the news of the legendary television executive’s death, aged 68.
The 55-year-old actress, whose career was launched by shows like Walsh Vietnam and Bangkok Hilton, shared her sentiment with the daily telegraph on Saturday.
She said she was “devastated” by the news of the industry’s latest powerhouse and was “still in shock.”
“We are absolutely devastated, he was family to us and we are still in deep shock,” she said.
The Nine Perfect Strangers star penned his statement alongside many Australian film celebrities who have called Walsh their friend, including Russell Crowe.
Nicole Kidman, 55, (pictured) shared a moving tribute in honor of Brian Walsh following news of the legendary television executive’s death, aged 68.
“Brian Walsh has been a huge influence on Australian media and television,” he told the publication.
‘Truly a go-to person who could get things done. He was a gentleman, a believer, an innovator and a powerhouse.’
It comes after Hugh Jackman also shared a heartfelt tribute to Walsh on Friday.
She told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday that she was “devastated” by the news of the death of the industry powerhouse and was “still deeply shaken”.
The Nine Perfect Strangers star wrote his statement alongside many Australian film celebrities who have called Walsh their friend, including Russell Crowe (left)
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 (right) also shared a heartfelt tribute to Walsh on Friday. The actor, 54, wrote a lengthy statement on behalf of himself and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness (left)
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.
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 global success of the television series Neighbors and the launch of the careers of star Kylie Minogue., Jackman and 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, Walsh joined Network Ten, where he launched major network events, including Kennedy Miller’s critically 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.
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).
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.
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.
Two of Australia’s biggest stars, Jackman and Nicole Kidman (above), have Brian Walsh in part to thank for their international acting careers.
As Walsh’s tributes poured in 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.
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
