John Laws, legendary Australian broadcaster known as ‘Golden Tonsils,’ dies at 90

Australia is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic voices. John Laws, the veteran talkback radio host affectionately known as the “Golden Tonsils,” has died at the age of 90. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his Sydney home on Sunday, surrounded by loved ones.

In a statement, the family described Laws as a devoted father, grandfather, and uncle. “While fame and prominence had become a mainstay of his life, for us he was always the person who meant so much away from the microphone, the cameras, and the headlines,” they said.

Laws’s broadcasting career stretched over seven decades, making him one of Australia’s most enduring and influential media personalities. At the height of his fame, he was among the highest paid radio hosts in the world. His morning program reached as many as two million listeners, opening each day with his unmistakable greeting, “Hello world.”

He interviewed 17 Australian prime ministers, countless world figures, and an endless parade of celebrities. Known for his deep, golden voice and sharp wit, Laws shaped the evolution of talkback radio, pioneering the format at a time when live call-ins were a new phenomenon. Politicians often sought his approval, and his commentary helped define public opinion for generations.

Tributes have poured in from across the country. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called him “an iconic voice and a giant of Australian broadcasting.” Former prime minister John Howard described Laws as “a dominating presence on Sydney and national radio,” while actor Russell Crowe, his longtime neighbor, remembered him as “a mischievous mate who worked hard, played harder, and loved completely.”

Laws’s career was not without controversy. In the 1990s, he and fellow broadcaster Alan Jones were embroiled in a “cash-for-comment” scandal for failing to disclose paid endorsements. He also faced criticism for on-air remarks about vulnerable callers and members of marginalized communities. Despite these setbacks, his influence on the industry remained undeniable.

Born in Papua New Guinea in 1935, Laws moved to Sydney with his family during World War II. He began his radio career in regional Victoria at just 18 years old. Over the decades, he worked at stations including 2UE, 2GB, and finally 2SM, where he hosted his final program in November last year.

Laws’s achievements were widely recognized. He was inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame and received both the Order of the British Empire and later the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to broadcasting and charity.

The New South Wales government has offered a state funeral in recognition of his extraordinary career. For millions of Australians, John Laws’s voice was a daily companion, rich, resonant, and unmistakably his own.