Nicole Kidman shared a heartwarming tribute to Brian Walsh following news of the legendary TV executive’s death, aged 68.
The actress, 55, whose career was launched by Walsh’s shows Vietnam and Bangkok Hilton, shared her sentiment with The Daily Telegraph on Saturday.
She said she was “devastated” by the news of the death of the late industry superpower and that she was “still in deep shock.”
“We are devastated, he was family to us and we are still in deep shock,” she said.
The Nine Perfect Strangers star co-wrote her statement with many Australian film celebrities who called Walsh their friend, including Russell Crowe.
Nicole Kidman, 55, (pictured) shared a heartwarming tribute in tribute to Brian Walsh following news of the legendary TV executive’s death at age 68
“Brian Walsh has been a huge influence on Australian media and television,” he told the publication.
“Really 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 that she was “still in deep shock.”
The Nine Perfect Strangers star co-wrote her statement with many Australian film celebrities who called Walsh their friend, including Russell Crowe (left)
The actor, 54, 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 “precious, best friend,” which jump-started the Hollywood golden couple’s career.
“For more than 30 years we have shared our lives professionally and personally,” he wrote.
“He defended both Deb and I at the beginning of our careers. He believed in us, encouraged us, loved us, and supported us 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 wife Deborra-Lee Furness (left)
The Wolverine star went on to say that Walsh not only helped the pair launch their careers in the film and television industry, but also supported their “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 send 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, precious friend,” which jump-starts the Hollywood golden couple’s career.
News of Walsh’s death was announced Friday morning.
Walsh – responsible for many of Australia’s biggest entertainment exports over a decades-long career in radio, film and television – was the driving force behind the worldwide success of the Neighbors TV series and the launch of star Kylie Minogue’s careers, Jackman and Kidman.
The TV executive, 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, 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 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
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)
Walsh created the Simply The Best season launch for the National Rugby League with Tina Turner, as well as being the creative force behind 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.
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.
Two of Australia’s biggest stars Jackman and Nicole Kidman (above) can partly thank Brian Walsh for their international careers as actors
As tributes poured in for Walsh on Friday, commentator Prue MacSween described him as “larger than life, a king-maker and a true showman…loyal, sincere and a huge loss.”
Lisa Wilkinson said it was Brian who was responsible for her early TV career as a contestant on the Beauty and the Beast series.
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 read the stories Brian has told 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.
Marta Dusseldorp speaks as Sam Neill and Brian Walsh watch during the cast announcement of Foxtel’s new original crime drama series ‘The Twelve’ in 2021
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