Today's Richard Wilkins tears up on live TV after death of Australian legend

Richard Wilkins fought back tears on Friday morning as he spoke about the death of beloved Australian TV executive Brian Walsh on Today Extra.

Brian, who most recently served as executive director at Foxtel and is credited for launching the careers of Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, passed away in Sydney on Thursday aged 68.

Richard became emotional as he spoke about the industry titan’s death on live TV, describing him as “so loved”.

“So many close friends within the business and without the business,” he told his fellow breakfast show presenters David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys. “And a real pro - he worked his tail off.

“He just loved the business, loved the people in the business, loved the business of the business,” he continued as he began to tear up. “He loved people... so many people. Sorry, I don’t know what to say.”

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Sylvia also paid her respects to Brian, calling him a “creative genius” who was also “a really genuine and caring person”.

“He genuinely cared about everything he produced, and everyone involved,” she shared.

David, who worked with Brian on a number of projects, added that his passing is a “huge loss” to the industry.

'Deeply saddened and shocked'

Brian had an illustrious, decades-long career in radio, film and television, and was notably a key player in launching Australian subscription TV with Foxtel - where he oversaw all scripted and unscripted commissions for the network.

He also helped launch several acclaimed series on Network Ten, including Vietnam, The Bangkok Hilton and The Dirtwater Dynasty, and has been credited with the global success of Neighbours.

Brian’s family, including his sisters Maureen Walsh, Jeanette Walsh and Bernadette Walsh as well as Bernadette’s husband Wayne Cooper and Brian’s nieces and nephew, released a statement on Friday following news of his death.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of our beloved brother Brian. There are no words to say just how heartbroken we are,” they said.

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“He had an extraordinary life and accomplished so much. His contributions were celebrated and widely acknowledged. We will always remember him by his love of family, his generosity and the value he put on a life not wasted but full and well lived.

“His greatest gift was bringing joy to people including through the industry he was so passionate about and all those he collaborated with over so many years. We were so proud of him and we know Mum and Dad would have been too.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Brian. Details of how we will celebrate his life will follow but for now we remember our darling Brian and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”

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