Russell Crowe Delivers Irreverent Eulogy at State Funeral for Broadcaster John Laws
A state funeral for Australian broadcasting icon John Laws, held Wednesday at Sydney’s St Andrews Cathedral, took an unexpected turn as Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe delivered a eulogy blending heartfelt tribute with candid observations about the controversial figure. the service honored Laws, who died on November 9th at the age of 90, after a remarkable seven-decade career.
Crowe’s address, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian, was characteristically Crowe – a mix of gravitas, self-deprecating humor, and genuine affection. He acknowledged Laws’ often abrasive on-air persona, a style that both captivated and infuriated listeners for generations. The eulogy didn’t shy away from the complexities of Laws’ legacy,presenting him as a man who thrived on stirring the pot,yet possessed a surprising tenderness beneath the surface. It was, in essence, a festivity of a beautifully flawed character – a radio rogue who somehow became a national treasure.
A particularly touching anecdote shared by Crowe revealed a glimpse into Laws’ unconventional generosity. he recounted how Laws gifted his son, Charlie, a bottle of bourbon on his first birthday. “The card read: ‘Too Charlie from John’,” Crowe shared. “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.”
Laws’ impact on Australian media was underscored by Paul Warren, a friend of 55 years, who described him as far more than just a broadcaster. “He could do just about anything,” Warren stated. “He wrote songs,he sang them,he made albums,he appeared in films,and he even popped up on Skippy.” Warren further highlighted Laws’ versatility, noting his ability to “sell anything from Valvoline to Toyotas” and his talents as a “poet” and “passionate music promoter.” At his peak, Laws commanded an audience of over 2 million listeners, achieving an unprecedented 92 consecutive radio survey wins and interviewing 16 prime ministers and numerous premiers.
The funeral service drew a diverse crowd of over 800 mourners, including former Prime Minister John Howard, former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, and State Governor Margaret Beazley. Prominent figures from the entertainment industry, such as trucking billionaire Lindsay Fox, broadcasters Ben Fordham and Richard Wilkins, and Olympian Dawn Fraser, were also in attendance, alongside many of Laws’ devoted, long-time listeners.
Reverend Michael Jensen, in his sermon, spoke of encouraging Laws to turn to scripture following the 2020 death of his wife, Caroline. “Over lunch I gave John a Bible and suggested that he read again the Gospel of John,” Jensen said, adding that he recommended listening to Johnny Cash’s recording of the text. Despite his wealth and thankfulness for life’s luxuries, Jensen emphasized that Laws “retained the common touch,” possessing an ability to connect with people from all walks of life – “It’s a long way from Woolloomooloo to Walgett. But john spoke Walgett fluently.”
Crowe emphasized the unlikely but enduring nature of his friendship with Laws, despite their frequent disagreements. “We were quite often on opposite sides of any issue,” he said. “Though, 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.”
The actor revealed that Laws had specifically requested his participation in the funeral service long ago, playfully suggesting he woudl deliver his remarks as if improvising. “It’ll take a bit of acting.Let’s see how I go. It’s kind of like cash for comment, but less obvious,” Crowe quipped, referencing the past controversy.
Crowe addressed the apparent contradiction between Laws’ often “invective laden opinion” on air and his reputation for kindness,noting that the broadcaster consistently ended his show with the simple plea: “be kind to each other.” He framed this as a deliberate performance by a true showman who identified as an entertainer, not a journalist. “Poetically, he would finish every debate with the same tagline, same mantra to let you know his true priorities as a person,” Crowe explained. “the performance for today was at a close. The show was done. be kind to each other.” He concluded, “My good friend was a very kind man.”
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