Brian Walsh tribute Sydney : A dazzling Sydney premiere has brought to light the untold story of the man behind the rise of Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, and Kylie Minogue.
Last night, a host of Australian celebrities graced the red carpet to celebrate the life and legacy of the late TV executive Brian Walsh.
His remarkable journey in the media industry has been captured in a Foxtel Original feature documentary titled The Great Entertainer, which made its world premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) arts festival in Sydney.
Stars in attendance at the Ritz Randwick included actresses Danielle Cormack and Sara Wiseman, former Home and Away actors Lincoln Younes and Tai Hara, media personality Deborah Hutton, and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, all paying tribute to Walsh’s enduring influence on Australian entertainment.
A Star-Studded Sydney Premiere Celebrates Brian Walsh’s Legacy
The Great Entertainer — set to premiere on BINGE and Foxtel on October 20 — celebrates the life of Brian Walsh, the visionary Foxtel executive who played a key role in shaping the careers of Australian icons including Nicole Kidman,
Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue, and Guy Pearce. He was also the creative force behind many of the country’s most beloved television programs.
The documentary’s release aligns with Foxtel’s 30th anniversary, marking three decades of the network’s contribution to Australian entertainment.
The Great Entertainer — A Tribute to Foxtel’s Creative Force
Walsh played a pivotal role during this transformative era, earning recognition for creating some of Australia’s most iconic moments in sports and entertainment.
He was the mastermind behind the legendary Tina Turner “Simply the Best” campaign for the National Rugby League and was instrumental in reviving Neighbours in the 1980s, turning it into a global phenomenon after its move to Network Ten.
During his 28-year career at Foxtel, Walsh also greenlit several of Australia’s most beloved shows, including Love My Way, Wentworth, Colin from Accounts, and Gogglebox Australia. His remarkable journey came to an untimely end in March 2023, when he passed away suddenly at the age of 67.
Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany and Lana Greenhalgh, Director of Scripted Originals, were among those who attended the Sydney premiere.
“Brian was a true visionary and the cultural heartbeat of Foxtel for nearly thirty years,” Greenhalgh said in a statement ahead of the event. “He consistently raised the standard for bold, high-quality Australian storytelling, creating countless unforgettable moments that launched careers and showcased Australian sport and television on the global stage.
The Great Entertainer: A Foxtel Original Documentary Unveiled at SXSW
She added, “This documentary honours his extraordinary legacy and enduring passion for sharing Australian stories with the world.
Walsh’s sudden passing in 2023 came as a profound shock to the entertainment industry.
At the time, his family paid heartfelt tribute to the man whose vision and creativity helped shape countless Australian success stories across the media landscape.
We are heartbroken and deeply devastated by the loss of our beloved brother, Brian,” the Walsh family said in a statement. “Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow.
He lived an extraordinary life, filled with remarkable achievements that were both celebrated and admired.
We will forever remember him for his love of family, his generosity, and his belief in living a life that was full, meaningful, and never wasted.
Brian’s greatest gift was his ability to bring joy to others — through his passion for the industry and the many people he worked with over the years.
We were incredibly proud of him, and we know Mum and Dad would have been too.
We are truly overwhelmed by the immense outpouring of love and support for Brian.
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