Radio legend Philip Brady dead at 85 after secret cancer battle - one week after announcing his retirement from 3AW

Australian radio star Philip Brady died in Melbourne on Tuesday aged 85 after a secret cancer battle.

The veteran presenter's death came just one week after he announced his retirement from 3AW talkback radio, after 30 years with the network.

Brady was diagnosed with terminal cancer on December 5 and resigned from his position at 3AW exactly two months later.

He kept his heartbreaking diagnosis a secret from his fans and only told his close family and friends. 

Brady's former 3AW co-host Simon Owens confirmed his passing and paid tribute to him in a statement.

'The most important thing he taught me about entertaining was it didn’t matter if you were orchestrating the joke, or being the butt of it, it was rewarding to just be a part of it,' Owens began.

'He lived an extraordinary life. These last few weeks have been tough. Philip loved his audience so much, he didn’t want to share how sick he was.

'He said, "I'm not there to make people cry, and I don't want their pity. It's their laughter I'm here for. They can cry when I’m gone".' 

Station manager Stephen Beers added: 'Phil was a great friend to many, truly loving his work on air and helping so many listeners and colleagues with advice, companionship and friendship. 

'Phil will be greatly missed by all at 3AW.'

The beloved radio star was born in Melbourne in 1939 and worked non-stop in showbusiness for almost seven decades, from the time he turned 18.

Brady was one of the most recognisable faces of Melbourne talkback radio in the '60s and '70s, as the host of several popular programs on 3AK. 

He revealed on-air shortly before his retirement that it was time to let the younger generation take over.

'After 67 years in the business, I'm quitting. I'm very sad to be leaving you but I have been around forever and I have been at 3AW since time began,' Brady told listeners.

'It's time to move over and give the younger guys a go. I will be looking out for you.' 

Brady also made regular appearances on TV, in shows such as Weekend Sunrise and Good Morning Australia.

He was also an announcer for Channel Nine in the '60s, and produced Bert Newton's variety show. 

Throughout his celebrated career he worked with some of Australia's most famous stars, including Paul Hogan and Graham Kennedy. 

Brady started his media career in 1958 at Channel Nine as an announcer.

He was closely associated with iconic TV great Graham Kennedy and his variety show In Melbourne Tonight.

Known for his cheerful and warm style Brady also hosted the early TV game Concentration as well as the TV quiz Everybody's Talking.

He also was the host for other show's in the TV quiz format including Moneymakers, Junior Moneymakers, Password and Get the Message. 

In his later years Brady was a fan favourite after appearing on Channel 10's Good Morning Australia for a regular cooking segment.

He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018 for his long services to the broadcast media.