Mike Willesee: He Only Wanted To Remembered As A Family Man

- Leigh Reinhold

Feared by politicians and cult leaders and revered as Australia’s most accomplished journalist, in the end the main thing Michael Willesee AO wanted to be remembered for was his role as a family man.

When the trailblazing newsman and documentary maker, who made millions from his media interests, learned he had throat cancer in 2016, his first thoughts were for his six children and 11 grandchildren.

“I just want to be here for the kids for as long as possible,” Mike revealed after radiation at Sydney’s Chris O’Brien Lifehouse treatment centre.

His ensuing three-year battle with the disease gave Mike – “Willo” to his friends – precious time with family after six decades of covering world affairs and nailing exclusive interviews with Hollywood royalty, like comedian Bob Hope and singer Sammy Davis Jr.

Mike’s stellar career began in the 1960s as a cadet journalist on the Perth Daily News and a police reporter at The Age. It was followed by stints on the ABC’s This Day Tonight and Four Corners.

In 1971, he convinced Nine boss Clyde Packer to greenlight A Current Affair, a program Mike had devised. The show would expose cults like The Orange People and discover the talents of Paul Hogan and disability advocate Quentin Kenihan.