A Fond Farewell: Russell Crowe Celebrates John Laws' Legacy

In a heartfelt tribute at his state funeral, John Laws, the celebrated Australian broadcaster, was commemorated by friends, family, and admirers on Wednesday at Sydney's St Andrews Cathedral. Among the attendees was Russell Crowe, the Academy Award-winning actor, who shared personal anecdotes that highlighted Laws’ unique personality and legacy.

Crowe, who lived next to the legendary broadcaster in Woolloomooloo for 23 years, injected a sense of irreverence into the solemn occasion. He recounted how Laws, known for his engaging baritone voice and seven-decade career in radio, gifted his son, Charlie, a bottle of bourbon on his first birthday. “The card read: ‘To Charlie from John’,” Crowe reminisced. “I opened it. It was a bottle of Wild Turkey. Now that was pretty much when the afternoon tea ended and the celebration truly began.” This light-hearted moment captured the essence of Laws’ character, showcasing his ability to blend warmth with a bit of mischief.

John Laws, affectionately dubbed “the Golden Tonsils” for his distinct voice, passed away on November 9, at the age of 90. During the service, his iconic golden microphone was placed atop his coffin, symbolizing his indelible mark on Australian media. Eulogizing his friend, Paul Warren spoke of Laws’ extraordinary versatility, stating, “He could do just about anything. He wrote songs, he sang them, he made albums, he appeared in films, and he even popped up on Skippy.”

Warren elaborated on Laws’ unparalleled achievements in radio, noting, “He could sell anything from Valvoline to Toyotas – beyond that, he was a poet, a passionate music promoter, proving time and time again that there was very little he couldn’t do and do extremely well. At his peak, he had over 2 million listeners, and he won 92 radio surveys in a row. He interviewed 16 prime ministers and numerous premiers.”

More than 800 mourners gathered to pay their respects, including former Prime Minister John Howard, former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, and State Governor Margaret Beazley. Other notable attendees included trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, broadcasters Ben Fordham and Richard Wilkins, and Olympic champion Dawn Fraser. Many of Laws’ elderly listeners also joined the remembrance, reflecting his profound impact on generations of Australians.

The Reverend Michael Jensen, who had encouraged Laws to read the Bible following the passing of his wife, Caroline, in 2020, shared poignant reflections during his sermon. Jensen recounted, “Over lunch, I gave John a Bible and suggested that he read again the Gospel of John. I mentioned Johnny Cash had recorded it and that he might listen.” This personal connection underscored the depth of Laws’ spirituality and his journey through grief.

Despite his immense success and wealth, Jensen highlighted that Laws remained relatable to everyday Australians, stating, “It’s a long way from Woolloomooloo to Walgett. But John spoke Walgett fluently.” This sentiment echoed the respect and admiration many held for Laws, who was able to bridge the gap between his celebrity status and the lives of ordinary people.

Crowe reflected on his unique friendship with Laws, noting that they often found themselves on opposing sides of various issues. “We were quite often on opposite sides of any issue,” he said. “However, we did agree that we liked each other’s company, and our different perspectives never stopped us from making each other laugh. He had an eye for composition and beauty, a nose for a good story, and the heart of a lion.”

As part of the service, singer John Williamson performed the iconic Australian song “True Blue,” a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to celebrating Australian culture. Crowe revealed that Laws had once asked him about performing at the funeral, indicating how much he valued the connection between media and music throughout his career.

John Laws leaves behind a rich legacy in Australian media, having touched the lives of countless listeners and colleagues throughout his remarkable journey. As mourners paid their respects, it was clear that his memory would endure, celebrated not only for his broadcasting prowess but also for his genuine humanity. Crowe’s reflections, paired with heartfelt tributes from friends and family, painted a vivid portrait of a man who was as complex as he was beloved in the fabric of Australian radio and beyond.