The life and career of the late Brian Walsh will be celebrated and commemorated at the world premiere of The Great Entertainer, a deeply personal and poignant Foxtel Original documentary about his life.
Walsh, one of Australia’s most influential media executives and storytellers, died unexpectedly in March 2023, and this deeply personal documentary has been created by those who worked alongside him throughout his remarkable career.
Standing as a heartfelt tribute to his legacy and told by the people who knew him best, the film will make its world debut at SXSW Sydney on 16 October, ahead of its national premiere on Foxtel and BINGE on Monday 20 October.
The release also marks a significant milestone for the Foxtel Group as it celebrates 30 years of entertaining Australians.
From the groundbreaking Simply the Best NRL campaign featuring Tina Turner to the revival of Neighbours on Network 10 and beyond, Walsh’s colourful legacy endures as a powerful reminder of the role that passionate leadership and storytelling play in shaping a national identity.
The Great Entertainer charts Walsh’s unparalleled impact on Australian television, sport and entertainment, from his early beginnings in radio to his three-decade tenure at Foxtel, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s creative vision.
The Great Entertainer will premiere at SXSW Sydney.
Described by colleagues and stars alike as “the ultimate showman,” Walsh’s contributions include launching and elevating some of Australia’s most iconic series including, The Twelve, Love My Way, Wentworth, Colin From Accounts, Australia’s Next Top Model and Gogglebox Australia.
His reputation for storytelling was matched only by his unique ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent, including Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue, and Guy Pearce.
The film features heartfelt tributes and appearances from a stellar line-up of his close friends, collaborators and industry luminaries. These include Hugh Jackman, Jason Donovan, Marcia Hines, Leah Purcell, Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer, Danielle Cormack, Matt Shirvington, Deborah Hutton OAM, and Wayne Pearce.
Each contribution paints a compelling portrait of a man whose creative instincts, humour, zest for life and unwavering commitment to Australian storytelling shaped generations.
Brian Walsh with Hugh Jackman.
Foxtel’s Lana Greenhalgh, Director of Scripted Originals, who worked closely with Walsh, reflected on his impact.
“Brian was a visionary and the cultural heart of Foxtel for nearly three decades. He continually set the bar for premium and bold Australian storytelling and created countless memorable moments that launched careers and put Australian sport and television on the world’s stage.”
Made by Shadow Productions for the Foxtel Group, the film is produced by Rudi McGregor, Mathew Brooks, Steve Cronan and Stephen Baldwin.
Executive Producers are Walsh’s late friend Graham McNeice, Rudi McGregor with Lana Greenhalgh and Alison Hurbert-Burns for the Foxtel Group. It is financed in association with Screen NSW and eligible for the SXSW Sydney Audience Choice Award.
McGregor spoke about the privilege of capturing Walsh’s remarkable story and his passion for TV and entertainment.
“Brian Walsh lived and breathed entertainment, with an unmatched instinct for talent and storytelling. He believed passionately in Australian stories and dedicated his life to nurturing the people who told them, leaving a legacy that continues to shape our industry today,” he said.
The Great Entertainer premieres on 16 October at SXSW Sydney, followed by its national broadcast on Foxtel and BINGE on 20 October.