A Nation Mourns a Broadcasting Giant
The Australian media landscape is in mourning following the death of radio legend John Laws at the age of 90. A wave of tributes, led by prominent celebrities and colleagues, has flooded social media, honouring the man often described as the voice of a nation.
Celebrity Tributes and Personal Memories
Actor Russell Crowe, who was a neighbour of Laws for 23 years on Sydney's Finger Wharf, was among the first to share his condolences. On Twitter, Crowe remembered him as a 'wise mentor, a mischievous mate and a very good friend.' He added, 'I loved him and I'll never forget him. A legend, in the very best, most Australian sense of the word.'
Fellow radio icon Kyle Sandilands called Laws 'one of the true originals,' praising his unique character. 'You could never mistake him for anyone else. He said what he thought, didn't care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required,' Sandilands stated, expressing his devastation at losing a mentor and a mate.
Other notable figures shared their grief. Channel Nine's Richard Wilkins hailed Laws as an inspiration on Instagram, while radio star Mitch Churi and television host Mike Goldman posted personal photos and memories, with Goldman recalling Laws as a 'straight shooter who didn't suffer fools.'
A Legendary Career Spanning Seven Decades
John Laws was regarded as one of Australia's most powerful talkback hosts, with a career spanning an incredible seven decades. He became one of the country's most well-known and highest-paid media personalities.
His journey in radio began in 1953 at 3BO in Bendigo. His distinctive, smooth voice quickly earned him the nickname 'The Golden Tonsils'. After four years, he moved to metropolitan broadcaster 2UE, where he was a pioneer as one of the first DJs to play rock 'n' roll music.
Laws' career saw him dominate the airwaves, particularly during his successful stint at 2UE from 1988 onwards, where he consistently held the number one slot in Sydney. After a four-year break starting in 2007, he returned to the air on 2SM in 2011 with The John Laws Morning Show. His retirement was announced live on-air on November 8 last year, marking an end to a 70-year career.
Beyond radio, Laws was a cultural fixture through his iconic advertisements, most famously for Valvoline motor oil with the unforgettable slogan, 'Valvoline, you know what I mean.' He also wrote poetry, books, sang, acted, and even appeared in an episode of 'Skippy'.
Personal Loss and Final Years
Laws' later years were marked by personal loss and health challenges. His wife of over four decades, Caroline, whom he called his 'princess', died from cancer in 2020. Friends noted he missed her terribly every day.
His health declined in recent years, with bouts of leave in 2022 due to respiratory infections. In 2023, after seeking treatment for a blocked ear, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to a three-week hospitalisation for pneumonia. He is understood to have been in end-of-life care in recent months and leaves behind five children.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute, stating that generations of Australians trusted and respected Laws for 'telling it straight, digging deep and giving his guests and his listeners a chance to be heard.' The broadcaster's passing comes just one year after his retirement, closing the final chapter on an unparalleled life in Australian media.
