John Laws, the legendary Australian radio personality often hailed as “the broadcaster of the century” by a former prime minister, has passed away at the age of 90.
Known affectionately as “Lawsie” and “the Golden Tonsils,” his passing has prompted a flood of tributes from fellow radio icons, recognizing his influential presence over more than seven decades on the airwaves.
Radio host Kyle Sandilands referred to Laws as “one of the true originals.”
In a post on X, the host of the Kyle and Jackie O show remarked, “His voice was unmistakable.”
Sandilands continued, “He spoke his mind fearlessly, regardless of whom he might offend, yet he could also display profound compassion when it was needed.”
“Losing him feels like losing a mentor and a friend. Radio will never quite be the same without him.”
Ray Hadley said Laws revolutionised the talk radio industry.
“In the latter years when he was at 2SM and tell me I was a copier… my reply was that if you were in the presence of someone who had perfected their craft, you’d be mad not to use some of that yourself,” he told the Daily Telegraph.
Laws was born on 8 August, 1935, in Wau, New Guinea, to Australian parents who owned a number of trade stores.
He grew up in Sydney after being evacuated to Australia during World War II.
In 1953, at 18, Laws hitchhiked to central Victoria where he took a job as a general hand at local Bendigo radio station 3BO.
In 1956 he returned to the big smoke to work at Sydney station 2UE. He worked alongside the likes of the late Australian media icon Brian Henderson.
By 2007, a 71-year-old Laws retired from radio, ending his 55 year career. He returned to the airwaves in 2011.
In early February 2020 Laws farewelled his “Princess” and wife, Caroline, who lost her battle with cancer.
In 2021, 85-year-old Laws suffered a health scare after he was admitted to a Sydney hospital with an infection.
“I think it’s time for a rest, is what I think,” Laws announced on his 2SM radio show.
“I’ve done it for a very, very, very, very long time – 70 years, is it long enough? It’s long enough.”
At the time, Laws said his plans for retirement were to read more and travel.
