Australian stars and media personalities are paying tribute to late radio icon Doug Mulray, who died from liver cancer overnight.
Mulray, 71, is being remembered as a titan of industry, beginning his long and storied career in radio in the 1970s on 3AW Melbourne.
Plenty of the radio star’s colleagues and friends have shared their condolences, including 2GB’s Ben Fordham – who began his show this morning with fond memories of Mulray.
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“If there’s a radio station in heaven, they better get the dump button ready because Uncle Doug is coming,” Fordham said.
“He was one of a kind, he was outrageous, he was politically incorrect, he was Doug Mulray.”
Mulray’s former co-host Rob Duckworth said he was heartbroken over the news.
“I just heard, I’m shattered,” Duckworth told Fordham on 2GB.
“I started at Triple M in February 1982, he had this wonderful writer, who has sadly passed away… Ken Sterling, they used to do a couple of characters called ‘The Two Lens’, which was subtly hilarious.
He added: “They were marvellous. He had this knack of finding people, putting people on-air, he was so clever in so many ways.”
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Melbourne radio presenter Gavin Miller also paid an emotional tribute, crediting Mulray as a mentor during his time on 2SM.
“He taught me so much.” I grew up in awe of him. I can’t quite believe I ever got to work with him, and I still think he’s the best that ever was,” Miller said.
“RIP Doug, and thank you for your warmth, your generosity and that incredible comedic brain of yours.”
Fellow broadcaster Debbie Spillane also described Mulray as “legend on the air and a legendary person”.
ABC journalist and OAM Peter Ryan said on Twitter: “Very sad news this morning that radio legend Doug Mulray has died.
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“Going back to to the 80s and 90s he ruled the airwaves and really pushed the limits. Lit up a lot of lives.”
And Triple M’s Dave Williams called Mulray a “giant of Sydney radio” in his Twitter tribute.
“Inspiring many of my colleagues to start a career in broadcasting. Thinking of his family, friends and the team,” he wrote.
Southern Cross Austereo CEO Grant Blackley said of Mulray’s passing: “Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends on the passing of Uncle Doug. He was radio royalty and an absolute legend.
“He was instrumental in changing the face of radio on Triple M and became a household name. He was deeply opinionated, highly intelligent and one very cheeky bugger. Thank you Dougie for entertaining us and ensuring we never took life too seriously. We will miss you. Vale Doug Mulray.”
Commentator Peter Switzer, who was Mulray’s close friend, confirmed he died of liver cancer.
It was first reported he was admitted to hospital in December, though at the time it was said to be for a “chronic illness”.
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