Australian radio royalty: ‘Uncle Doug’ Mulray passes away at 71
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Australia said goodbye to one of its most beloved radio personalities this week, as legendary Aussie breakfast radio host Doug Mulray passed away at the age of 71.
The broadcaster – affectionately known to many as 'Uncle Doug' – passed away in an intensive care unit of a Sydney hospital on Thursday. While the cause of his death is yet to be determined, we understand he had been battling health issues for some time.
Having made his television and radio debut in the late 1960s, it's safe to say that Doug played a major role in Australia's broadcast history. He was a part of the historic launch of Triple M in the 1980s and headed award-winning breakfast shows and evening programs on the station.
Doug's 'adrenaline-filled' broadcasts and enthusiasm for the industry quickly made him a favourite among a legion of loyal listeners, eventually earning him the title of 'King of Aussie Radio' and a spot in the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2019.
Shortly before his hospitalisation in December, Doug was gifted with an unforgettable send-off at a Triple M staff reunion in Sydney, where he expressed his love and admiration for the station.
'We were blessed to have that thing… It was a joy to be there. When I left radio, I was over it. I wanted the privacy and I kind of distanced myself… It was kind of like a fantasy,' said the presenter.
It was at Triple M that Doug's career soared, and he created a strong presence in the radio landscape. Even before his Triple M days, the 71-year-old had already appeared on commercial and ABC radio, starting in the mid-1960s.
He also had a run-in with Aussie mogul Kerry Packer in 1992 while hosting a home video show, Australia’s Naughtiest Home Videos. Doug presented a clip of a boy pulling a kangaroo's testicles and was met with an explosive response from the billionaire. The show was immediately pulled off the air and replaced with reruns of the US sitcom Cheers.
At the time of his death, Doug had been an announcer for Australia's Nine Network for 13 years and also appeared on Channel Ten’s show Beauty And The Beast in 2002.
2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham, who knew Doug personally, paid tribute to the radio icon, reminiscing on the impact he had amongst all his adoring fans, with whom he had remained close till today.
Fordham said, 'If there's a radio station in heaven, they better get the dump button ready, because Doug Mulray is coming.'
Mulray is survived by his partner Lizzie and children James, Rosie and Tom.
Our sympathies go out to Doug's family and friends, who are sure to be feeling the pain of the loss of such a tremendous and wildly talented individual. He will forever remain a part of Australian radio history.
Do you have fond memories of listening to Doug on your work commute? We would love it if you shared your memories with us in the comments.
The broadcaster – affectionately known to many as 'Uncle Doug' – passed away in an intensive care unit of a Sydney hospital on Thursday. While the cause of his death is yet to be determined, we understand he had been battling health issues for some time.
Having made his television and radio debut in the late 1960s, it's safe to say that Doug played a major role in Australia's broadcast history. He was a part of the historic launch of Triple M in the 1980s and headed award-winning breakfast shows and evening programs on the station.
Doug's 'adrenaline-filled' broadcasts and enthusiasm for the industry quickly made him a favourite among a legion of loyal listeners, eventually earning him the title of 'King of Aussie Radio' and a spot in the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2019.
Doug Mulray is fondly remembered as ‘Uncle Doug’ by long-time listeners. Credit: Facebook/Triple M Sydney 104.9.
Shortly before his hospitalisation in December, Doug was gifted with an unforgettable send-off at a Triple M staff reunion in Sydney, where he expressed his love and admiration for the station.
'We were blessed to have that thing… It was a joy to be there. When I left radio, I was over it. I wanted the privacy and I kind of distanced myself… It was kind of like a fantasy,' said the presenter.
It was at Triple M that Doug's career soared, and he created a strong presence in the radio landscape. Even before his Triple M days, the 71-year-old had already appeared on commercial and ABC radio, starting in the mid-1960s.
He also had a run-in with Aussie mogul Kerry Packer in 1992 while hosting a home video show, Australia’s Naughtiest Home Videos. Doug presented a clip of a boy pulling a kangaroo's testicles and was met with an explosive response from the billionaire. The show was immediately pulled off the air and replaced with reruns of the US sitcom Cheers.
At the time of his death, Doug had been an announcer for Australia's Nine Network for 13 years and also appeared on Channel Ten’s show Beauty And The Beast in 2002.
2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham, who knew Doug personally, paid tribute to the radio icon, reminiscing on the impact he had amongst all his adoring fans, with whom he had remained close till today.
Fordham said, 'If there's a radio station in heaven, they better get the dump button ready, because Doug Mulray is coming.'
Mulray is survived by his partner Lizzie and children James, Rosie and Tom.
Our sympathies go out to Doug's family and friends, who are sure to be feeling the pain of the loss of such a tremendous and wildly talented individual. He will forever remain a part of Australian radio history.
Do you have fond memories of listening to Doug on your work commute? We would love it if you shared your memories with us in the comments.
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