Nicole Kidman shared a heartwarming tribute to Brian Walsh following news of the legendary TV executive’s death at the age of 68.
The 55-year-old actress, whose career was launched by Walsh’s shows Vietnam and Bangkok Hilton, shared her feelings with The Daily Telegraph on Saturday.
She said she was “devastated” by the news of the late industry powerhouse’s death and “still in profound shock”.
“We are absolutely devastated, he was family to us and we are still in deep shock,” she said.
The Nine Perfect Strangers star penned her statement alongside many Australian film stars who have credited Walsh as their boyfriend, including Russell Crowe.
Nicole Kidman, 55, (pictured) shared a heartwarming tribute to Brian Walsh following news of the legendary TV executive’s death at the age of 68
“Brian Walsh has been a huge influence on Australian media and television,” he told the publication.
‘Truly 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 industry powerhouse’s death and “still in profound shock”
The Nine Perfect Strangers star penned her statement alongside many Australian film stars who have credited Walsh as their boyfriend, including Russell Crowe (left).
The 54-year-old actor penned a lengthy statement on behalf of himself and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness.
In his statement, Jackman said he and Furness were “devastated” at the loss of their “dear, dear friend,” who launched the Hollywood golden couple’s careers.
“We have shared our professional and personal lives for over 30 years,” he wrote.
“He stood up for both Deb and me early in our careers. He believed in us, encouraged us, loved us and supported us in every step of our lives.’
Hugh Jackman (right) also paid a heartfelt tribute to Walsh on Friday. The actor, 54, penned a lengthy statement for himself and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness (left)
The Wolverine star went on to say that in addition to helping them launch their careers in film and television, Walsh has been supportive of their “entire family.”
“Brian was the most generous, thoughtful, creative and authentic man,” added Jackman.
“He made a huge difference in the lives of so many people – and we will never forget him. We send love to his family. Rest in peace.’
In his statement, Jackman said he and Furness were “devastated” at the loss of their “dear, dear friend,” who launched the Hollywood golden couple’s careers
News of Walsh’s death was announced Friday morning.
Walsh – responsible for many of Australia’s biggest entertainment exports over a decade-long career in radio, film and television – was the driving force behind the global success of the TV series Neighbors and launching the careers of stars Kylie Minogue, Jackman and Kidman.
The TV executive, most recently an executive at Foxtel, was described by the company as “an icon in Foxtel’s 28-year history and one of the most admired creative minds in Australian television”.
After working in radio from a young age, Walsh joined Network Ten where he initiated major network events including the acclaimed Kennedy Miller miniseries Vietnam, The Bangkok Hilton and The Dirtwater Dynasty.
Legendary TV exec Brian Walsh – the man behind TV series Neighbors and the careers of Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman – has died at the age of 68
Brian Walsh is responsible for the global success of the TV series and Kylie Minogue’s international career (above with Jason Donovan in Neighbours)
Walsh created the Simply The Best season opener for the National Rugby League with Tina Turner and was also the creative force behind the Rugby League Grand Finals and State of Origin Entertainment shows and events.
He has also acted as publicist for the Australian concert tours of megastars Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond, Ricky Martin and Barbra Streisand.
At Foxtel he had creative control over Australian television series such as Wentworth, Upright, Deadline Gallipoli, The Kettering Incident, The End and most recently the award winning and globally distributed series Love Me, Colin from Accounts and The Twelve.
Two of Australia’s biggest stars, Jackman and Nicole Kidman (above), have Brian Walsh to thank in part for their international acting careers
As tributes poured in for Walsh on Friday, commentator Prue MacSween described him as “larger than life, a kingmaker and a true showman…loyal, genuine and a great loss.”
Lisa Wilkinson said it was Brian who was responsible for her early TV career as a contestant on Beauty and the Beast.
In a statement expressing the deep sadness of Foxtel Group, CEO Patrick Delany said: “This is a very difficult day for the Foxtel Group family, for Australia’s creative community and for the millions of Australians who share the stories, that Brian brought to life on TV have seen and loved.
“Australia’s creative community has lost a very popular character in Brian. For us, the loss is difficult to feel.
“At Foxtel Group, Brian has been a longtime mentor, confidant, colleague and steadfast friend to so many. Today we mourn Brian’s passing.
“Our condolences go out to his family and those closest to him. We have lost an Australian television icon who will never be replaced. Rest in peace Brian.’
Brian Walsh died in Sydney on Thursday.
Marta Dusseldorp speaks as Sam Neill and Brian Walsh look on at the 2021 cast announcement for Foxtel’s new original crime drama series The Twelve