Tributes flow for Sydney radio legend Gary O’Callaghan
Gary O'Callaghan: for decades the familiar voice behind the microphone.
Veteran Sydney broadcaster Gary O’Callaghan has died at the age of 83 with his fans and colleagues remembering him as a true gentleman and radio legend.
Sydney radio station 2GB announced Mr O’Callaghan’s death on Saturday morning, prompting tributes on social media.
He worked for 2UE for almost 50 years, between 1956 and 2003, and after that on 2SM.
He was well known for his long running and ratings winning breakfast show on 2UE, and earlier in his career for his coverage of the Petrov Affair in the 1950s.
“Saddened to hear of passing of the great Gary O’Callaghan. Loved listening to him & Sammy Sparrow & honoured to be on air with him at 2UE,” 4BC Brisbane operations manager Mark Braybrook said on Twitter.
He’s been remembered as a true gentleman by former 2UE colleague Damian Kelly, who posted on Twitter: “Had the privilege to work with Gary O’Callaghan @2ue. Never a greater gentleman walked into a studio there or anywhere else. RIP #samsparrow.”
Other former colleagues and radio listeners also shared their fond memories of Mr O’Callaghan.
“Gary O’Callaghan: When it came to immediacy of radio, no-one was sharper. Listened on air to police in one ear & himself in the other,” former 2GB and 2UE broadcaster Jason Morrison said on Twitter.
“I can remember hearing Gary O’Callaghan when I was a kid. Morning radio in Sydney was very different then. A far happier, more decent place,” Crikey politics editor Bernard Keane tweeted.