Arguably the funniest man to ever appear on Australian radio, ‘Uncle’ Doug Mulray, has passed away at 71.
Radio station Triple M Sydney confirmed Mulray’s passing after it was first revealed by friends overnight.
Mulray passed away in intensive care in a Sydney hospital yesterday and the cause of death remains unknown, however, it has been reported the reclusive Mulray had been suffering from ill health.
He was best known as ‘Uncle Doug’ while hosting Sydney’s Triple M, after rising to fame on ABC’s Double J back in the 70s.
Speaking at a Triple M reunion last November, Mulray said: “We were the right thing, at the right time, in the right place, with the right attitude.”
He described his days in the top slot at Triple M as “an astounding thing to be part of”.
“We were blessed to have that thing… It was a joy to be there,” he said.
“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.”
Commenting on Mulray’s passing, Kyle Sandilands said “I knew he wasn’t well” while co-host Jackie ‘O’said she was “very sad” to learn of his death.
“A giant of radio,” said veteran newsreader Geoff Field.
2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham said: “If there’s a radio station in heaven, they better get the dump button ready, because Doug Mulray is coming.”
Triple M Melbourne Mornings host Dave Williams (aka Dangerous Dave) said: “Doug Mulray was a giant of Sydney radio. Inspiring many of my colleagues to start a career in broadcasting.”
SCA CEO Grant Blackley said of Mulray’s passing: “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.”
