What's New March 31, 2023

Radio loses a legend: RIP Doug Mulray

Reporter

The Australian entertainment industry is today mourning a huge loss, with the death of Sydney radio legend Doug Mulray yesterday at the age of 71.

It had been reported that Mulray – who hosted Triple M Breakfast and WSFM Drive – had been battling a chronic illness for some time.

In a social media post, Mulray’s friend Dave Carlson said “I saw Doug only 3 weeks ago and while he wasn’t well, he was still his kind, witty self. An absolute legend who was very supportive of me when we worked together at Triple M.”

Doug Mulray

Mulray started his career at 2AD in Armidale.

He rose to prominence at the ABC’s 2JJ in the late 1970s before leaving to join Triple M Sydney in the early eighties.

His foray into television saw him host Beauty and the Beast in the 90s, as well as his own show, called Mulray.

At the 2019 ACRAs, Mulray was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.

Mulray recently featured on the Suddenly Senior podcast with Ian Rogerson and Angela Catterns, where they joked about older people sitting around, talking about their ailments.

On his decision to step away from the mic two decades ago, Mulray said “I was pretty keen to get out. I’m pretty much living what I said I would do.”

“I never did it for the money. I always did it because it was a joy to do.”

Melbourne radio presenter Gavin Miller is among the many to pay tribute. In a social media post, Miller credits Mulray’s mentorship during his time on Breakfast at 2SM was one of the highlights of his life:

“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.”

“RIP Doug, and thank you for your warmth, your generosity and that incredible comedic brain of yours.”

Fellow broadcaster Debbie Spillane described Mulray as “a legend on the air and a legendary person.”

SCA CEO Grant Blackley has released a statement:

“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.”

On Triple M Sydney’s Mick & MG show this morning, Andrew Denton also paid tribute:

Mick Molloy summed up the feelings of many when he said “It is a terrible morning. A huge gaping hole has been left in the landscape of FM radio, particularly in Sydney where Doug Mulray ruled since 1982. He was the man, he was a legendary radio performer. For anyone in comedy, particularly going into radio, he was considered the biggest star in the firmament. He ruled Sydney radio for a long time.”

“A lot of us who do this for a job owe him a great debt. He paved the way in many ways. He was like a god on the FM train, he worked at the station and just dominated it. He transformed Triple M Sydney, and his impact reverberated around Australia. This is an important passing, especially for people in our industry.”

Managing Director of Marchmedia talent management company, Brad March paid tribute to Doug:

“Doug Mulray was arguably the greatest FM Breakfast host ever on Australia radio. Heard on Triple M Sydney, he was the original, the funniest and one of the most entertaining announcers I have ever heard. His show was so compelling I used to listen for hours each morning during the 80’s. Hired by the legendary Rod Muir, Doug dominated radio ratings and gave rise to Andrew Denton who started as a writer on his show. Mulray was an extraordinary wordsmith, brilliant broadcaster, a great comedian.”

Newcastle’s 87.8FM Drive host, Darren McErlain also paid tribute, describing Doug’s impact on radio and his development in his blog post.