Australian TV and radio personality Bruce Mansfield has died of prostate cancer.
Mansfield, who was a week shy of his 72nd birthday, is best known for his 3AW evening show Nightline with Bruce and Phil, which he hosted with Philip Brady for more than 21 years.
Vale Bruce Mansfield. Thorough gentleman and broadcasting icon. We're richer for his work, and poorer for his passing. @3AW693
— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) April 17, 2016
"Thank you so much for your support and your wishes" - Bruce Mansfield on @3AW693 in February https://t.co/KDI1n5VaTp
— Brenden Wood (@BrendenWood) April 17, 2016
The radio station announced his death on Sunday, describing Mansfield as a “legend of the Melbourne’s entertainment industry”.
“Bruce died peacefully at his home surrounded by family this morning,” the station said a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Bruce’s family, particularly his wife, Jill, their three children and his beloved grandchildren.”
Brady paid tribute to his long-time partner on Sunday morning saying they had “a magic spark which will never be recreated again”.
“For all of us it’s the shock of how suddenly this has overcome him,” he said.
Mansfield was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2015.
He was “very chirpy” when Brady saw him last, one week ago, but had lost a lot of weight, Brady said.
Bruce was a brilliant broadcaster. His chemistry with Phil Brady was superb. #valeBruceMansfield https://t.co/X6GfuZHZCS
— Dave Hughes (@DHughesy) April 17, 2016
So sad at the passing of the wonderful Bruce Mansfield. Booce & Phil's Nightline was unmissable radio. Deepest sympathy to Jill and family
— Peter Hitchener (@phitchener9) April 17, 2016
Mansfield first appeared on Melbourne radio in 1960 after he won a junior announcer’s competition, securing a permanent job as a late-night announcer two years later.
He spent five years as a television newsreader for the Ten Network starting in 1974 before returning to a slew of announcing and radio roles, including on Ten’s Rove Live program.
Mansfield was sacked from 3AW in 1999 after it emerged he had exchanged coverage of certain companies on the program for first-class flights, free accommodation and the use of luxury hire cars. He was rehired in 2001.
Brady said he hoped Nightline, a Melbourne radio institution, would continue.
