Brian Walsh, TV legend behind Neighbors’ worldwide success, dies – Foxtel
Australian TV supremo Brian Walsh dies suddenly: legendary executive masterminded the success of Neighbors and launched the careers of Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman
- TV legend Brian Walsh has passed away at the age of 68
- Launched neighbors and careers of the biggest stars
- Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman
Legendary TV executive Brian Walsh – who over a decades-long career in radio, film and television was responsible for many of Australia’s biggest entertainment exports – has passed away at the age of 68.
Walsh was the driving force behind the worldwide success of the Neighbors TV series and the launch of star Kylie Minogue’s careers, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman.
Walsh, who was most recently an executive at Foxtel, was described by the company as “an iconic figure in 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 networking events including the critically acclaimed Kennedy Miller mini-series ‘Vietnam’, ‘The Bangkok Hilton’ and ‘The Dirtwater Dynasty’.
Legendary TV executive Brian Walsh – the man behind the TV series Neighbors and the careers of Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman has passed away at the age of 68
Marta Dusseldorp speaks as Sam Neill and Brian Walsh watch during Foxtel’s new original crime drama series ‘The Twelve’ cast announcement in 2021
Brian Walsh is responsible for the worldwide success of the TV series and also for the international career of Kylie Minogue (above with Jason Donovan in Neighbours)
Brian is also responsible 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 on air to the news of Walsh’s death with genuine shock and grief.
Jackie O said, “I loved Brian. It’s a real shock…. He was very passionate. He was Foxtel.’
Kyle said: ‘Love to his family and friends and everyone at Foxtel. He was one of the nice television types.
“It’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 with Tina Turner and was also the creative force behind the rugby league grand final and State of Origin Entertainment shows and events.
He also acted as publicist for the Australian concert tours of mega stars, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Ricky Martin and Barbra Streisand.
Two of Australia’s biggest stars, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman (above) can partly thank Brian Walsh for their international careers as actors
At Foxtel, he has had creative control over Australian television series including Wentworth, Upright, Deadline Gallipoli, The Kettering Incident, The End and most recently the award-winning globally distributed series Love Me, Colin from Accounts and The Twelve.
In a statement expressing the Foxtel Group’s deep sorrow, CEO Patrick Delany said: ‘This is a very difficult day for the Foxtel Group family, for Australia’s creative community and the millions of Australians who have heard the stories told by Brian on television. brought to life, watched and enjoyed. .
Australia’s creative community has lost a beloved figure in Brian. The loss is deeply felt for us.
“At the Foxtel Group, Brian has long been a mentor, confidant, colleague and unwavering friend to so many. Today we mourn the passing of Brian.
Our condolences go out to his family and those close to him. We have lost an icon of Australian television that will never be replaced. Rest in peace, Brian.’
Brian Walsh passed away in Sydney on Thursday.