Max ‘Tangles’ Walker ups stumps leaving a wealth of advertising work as part of his legacy
The death of former Australian cricketer and Nine commentator Max Walker, affectionally know to Australians as Tangles, has been announced today.
While Walker’s thumping run ups captured the cricketing crowd’s attention, the moustachioed fast bowler also caught the hearts of broadcasters and advertisers, with Walker starring in some seminal sporting ads.
Tangles began his advertising career early, featuring in an ad for Aerogard in the 1980s being pestered by a small child.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VThi7SFGNlI
His larger than life persona captured the attention of executives at Channel Nine and he became a pivotal member of Nine’s cricket broadcasts and its Wide World of Sports team after his retirement from the game.
But advertisers will remember most the series of ads he starred in during the 1980s with his foil, Doug Walters for Toohey’s 2.2 light beer.
Playing on his buffoonish image, the pair featured a series of “world’s worst” ads created by Mojo.
The campaign anchored the brand in NSW and Queensland and gave Walker even wider recognition.
World Series Cricket ads featured the fast bowler
Walker became a household favourite in the Tooheys 2.2 campaign with Doug Walters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBpvWD8h7Ys
Nine’s CEO Hugh Marks said Walker was unique.
At Nine and across the game we have lost a genuine hero of Australian cricket with Max Walker’s sad passing,” Marks said.
“He was terrific bowler as his Test record shows, but an even better bloke. He will be missed by the whole Nine family. Larger than life on and off the field, a huge character with that laconic, laid-back approach to sport and life. Just a big, cuddly colourful bloke whom everyone really liked – his opponents just as much as the rest of us. Max enjoyed that unique sense of humour made only in Australia, which shone like a beacon in his post-retirement commentary roles on Nine, his hilarious books and his famous ‘have a good weekend Mr Walker’ television advertisements. Max leaves an indelible signature on Australian cricket and its culture. He will be profoundly missed’.”
Nine’s director of sport, Tom Malone said Walker was a pioneer.
“Everyone at Wide World of Sports is deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, Max Walker,” Malone said.
“Max was a pioneer of the industry, making the transition from elite sportsman to television host seamlessly. He was a true Aussie character, who’s enthusiasm and love for life was infectious. He will be sorely missed. Max was and will always remain, a treasured member of the WWOS Family.”
Thanks for the memories
Great story, great clips
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Twenty five years ago I worked in a video shop (remember them?) hiring out to the denizens of Toorak. The attitude of quite a few customers towards the staff was not always what one would describe as ‘respectful’. Two couples stand out after all these years for their pleasantness, decency and complete lack of hauteur; Richard and Jeannie Pratt, and Max and his lovely wife whose name I forget. Just really nice and polite people. That is not to say there were no other people who behaved towards us in a similar fashion, but there were certainly other ‘names’ who could have learned something from these two couples in particular.
Max’s Aerogard ads are as much a part of my childhood as Hutton’s Footy Franks and Rice Power – ‘don’t argue’ ‘rice one, granny’ and ‘avagoodweekend’ were embedded in our schoolyard banter. Maybe not award winning campaigns, but memorable and enjoyable nonetheless.
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