Heartfelt tributes for Brian Walsh

Condolences as well as expressions of shock have been flowing from people in the media and entertainment industry, here and abroad, after the sudden death of Brian Walsh. It was announced earlier today that Walsh, a giant of Australian television who helped kick-start the careers of dozens of big-name stars, died unexpectedly, aged 68. 

Walsh’s career began when he was in his teens and took a path through radio, feature film, promotions, and television. He figured in some of the most monumental moments and achievements in media. As an executive at Channel 10, he oversaw the purchase of a lack lustre soap series from Channel 7 and turned it into a television phenomenon that ran for three decades and spawned a who’s who of Australian talent: Neighbours.

Walsh was also behind the very successful Simply The Best re-branding campaign for the NRL and many other televison series and creative initiatives that are among the most influential in media history. He was involved in the foundation of Foxtel and spent the latter part of his career turning it into an entertainment powerhouse. 

Despite being a heavyweight executive and a brilliant mind, Walsh was always accessable and down to earth. Many young actors and performers considered him a mentor. The tributes and comments that have peppered social media and the news have been genuinely warm, grateful, and grief-stricken. 

Vale Brian Walsh