Gary Bernard O'Callaghan MBE (11 October 1933 − 19 August 2017) was an Australian radio announcer based in Sydney, known for his on-air character, "Sammy Sparrow".[1] He was an Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame recipient. He dominated Sydney radio from the 1960s to the 1980s.[2]
Gary O'Callaghan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 October 1933 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 19 August 2017 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Radio personality |
| Years active | 1951–2007 |
Early life
editCareer
editO'Callaghan's career in radio started in 1951 when he joined 2SM as an office boy, aged 17. He did his first on-air work within a few weeks. This began what the Daily Telegraph newspaper called "one of the most distinguished careers in the history of Australian broadcasting".[4] Early in his career, in the 1950s, he was notable for his exclusive coverage[2] of the Cold War defection that became known as the Petrov Affair.[1][5] He joined 2UE in 1956, where he was known for his long running, and ratings winning, breakfast show. He stayed with 2UE until retirement in 2003, then had a short time at 2KY during Kerry Packer's ownership of 2UE. He moved back to the mid north coast of NSW where he continued to work at 2MC.[2]
Awards
editO'Callaghan became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), was named Father of the Year, and won the Queen's Jubilee Medal.[4] He was an Australian Commercial Radio Awards Hall of Fame inductee in 2004.[2][6]
Later life
editO'Callaghan and his wife Dorothy lived at Wauchope, New South Wales, on the NSW Mid North Coast, near Port Macquarie.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b "Radio legend Gary O'Callaghan dies". Illawarra Mercury. Fairfax. 19 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "Vale Gary O'Callaghan". www.radioinfo.com.au. 19 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
- ^ "Observer Showbiz: On This Day". Melbourne Observer. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
- ^ a b c "Radio legend Gary O'Callaghan dies". The Daily Telegraph. News Corp. 19 August 2017.
- ^ "Media: Gary O'Callaghan". The Petrov Affair. Museum of Australian Democracy. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
- ^ "ACRA Awards night rewards radio stars". www.radioinfo.com.au. 19 October 2004. Retrieved 22 August 2017.