‘Radio won’t be the same without him.’

Australian celebrities including Oscar winner Russell Crowe and FM radio king Kyle Sandilands have paid tribute to John Laws, after the much-loved broadcast identity died at 90.

Laws was known as the man with the “golden tonsils” who dominated the airwaves for more than 70 years at Sydney radio stations 2UE and 2GB.

Gladiator star Russell Crowe took to X to remember the radio star, who he called his “mischievous mate and very good friend”, saying the Laws was his neighbour for more than two decades.

“I am deeply saddened by his passing, however, I am buoyed in the sure and certain knowledge that he led a magnificent life of achievement and adventure,” Crowe wrote.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also shared his grief.

“John Laws was an iconic voice and so much more,” Albanese wrote on X.

“Generations of Australians trusted and respected him for telling it straight, digging deep and giving his guests and his listeners a chance to be heard.

“John was always a thoroughly prepared and thoughtful interviewer, and wonderful company off-air.

“My condolences to his loved ones and to all who benefited from his wisdom and guidance.”

KIIS FM megastar Kyle Sandilands called Laws one of the true originals.

“You could never mistake him for anyone else. He said what he thought, didn’t care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required,” Sandilands penned on X.

“I’m devastated to have lost a mentor and a mate. Radio won’t be the same without him.”

Real Housewives of Sydney star Matty Samaei shared a photo with Laws, alongside the words “RIP John Laws”.

NSW Premier Chris Minns called Laws on incredible part of Sydney.

“Sydney is an early morning city, people get up early, and talkback radio, particularly with John Laws narrating what was happening, has been a big part of life in Australia, but in particularly in New South Wales, for a long period of time.

“He has interviewed everyone, every Australian prime minister.

“His depth of knowledge was incredible. I have been interviewed by him a number of times.

“He was canny in catching you out in inconsistencies right up until his final year on radio.

“A loss for Sydney and a big loss for broadcast.”

Born in New Guinea on August 8, 1935, Laws moved to Australia with his family as a schoolboy, launching his radio career in Bendigo in 1953.

He spent four separate stints at Sydney station 2UE after first joining the broadcaster in 1957. He also worked for 2GB, 2UW and 2SM, and had short periods with Network Ten and Foxtel.

Laws, a member of the Australian Media Hall of Fame, attracted two million listeners to his morning radio program at the height of his popularity.

His influence was immense, with former prime minister Paul Keating once saying, “if you could convince John Laws, you could convince Australia”.

Laws pioneered a unique blend of entertainment, information and opinion, delivered with what became one of the most recognised voices in the country.

His shows were widely broadcast around Australia, reaching people through almost 100 stations, and he was particularly popular in rural NSW.

Sydney radio broadcaster Ray Hadley described Laws as a “radio icon”.

“Those who follow him and drink from the well like I have in the past should remember the person who dug that well,” Mr Hadley said.

“And that well was dug by the great John Laws, a true pioneer of Australian talkback radio.”

Laws lost his beloved wife, Caroline, to whom he was married for more than four decades and called his princess, to cancer in 2020.

The broadcaster’s death is a year on from his retirement.

“You’re not going to be hearing it for long, mate, I think it’s time for a rest, is what I think,” Laws said when he called time on his career.

“I’ve done it for a very, very, very, very long time. Seventy years, is it long enough? It’s long enough.”