As stars of stage and screen gathered to remember the Aussie icon, the man who made her a star got another pound of flesh
Many in the industry are shaking their heads today after entertainment reporter Peter Ford revealed legendary TV host Mike Walsh charged the family of Jeanne Little to hold the memorial service at the Cremorne Orpheum (the venue is owned by Walsh).
Walsh turned Little into a star on The Mike Walsh Show and the Orpheum seemed like a fitting venue. Many attending the service assumed Walsh had simply handed the venue over to Katie Little (Jeanne’s daughter).
But as Ford reported on Friday morning on Seven’s The Morning Show Walsh charged $1,000 for the use of the theatre, with additional fees for catering.
While the fee is minimal compared to the usual hire fee of such a venue, many are surprised Walsh didn’t write it off considering the long relationship the pair had.
The secretary of Walsh explained to Peter Ford that some screenings were cancelled to make way for the service and the cost was attributed to covering those losses.
Ford reports the secretary also pointed out funeral directors got paid for the service so why shouldn’t money change hands.
It’s a disappointing end to what should have been a day of celebration.
Meanwhile, Peter Ford has also reported that Simon Gallaher has offered to cover the expense if Mike Walsh doesn’t change his mind.
but not entitled of the family to not expect to pay a fee. go figure