Media

Veteran RTÉ producer Larry Masterson dies aged 73

Masterson was in television for over 40 years, working on flagship programmes including The Late Late Show

Larry Masterson in 2015. Photograph: Aidan Crawley
Larry Masterson in 2015. Photograph: Aidan Crawley
Fiachra Gallagher
Mon Apr 15 2024 - 18:08

Larry Masterson, the veteran RTÉ producer who worked on various programmes for the broadcaster over a long career, has died aged 73.

A death notice said that Masterson died peacefully on Sunday with his family by his side, and in the care of staff at Blackrock Hospice.

Masterson, who was from Dublin’s inner city, moved into the television industry after initially working as a social worker. He spent over 40 years in television, producing many flagship programmes – including The Late Late Show and The Saturday Night Show with Brendan O’Connor.

Kevin Bakhurst, director general of RTÉ, said that Masterson was “legendary” in the television industry, and was a “deeply respected, much liked, and widely admired” figure.

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“From an initial foray in current affairs, Larry soon found his niche in entertainment, and his work with Mike Murphy on The Live Mike – including his infamous Candid Camera style inserts – were not only hugely innovative, but were cultural moments then and now,” he said.

“As executive producer on The Late Late Show, the world’s longest running live entertainment show, Larry ensured the continuity of the programme’s iconic status in Irish life. He said a good Late Late should be like a good night out.

“Audiences, whether they knew it or not, had countless great nights out with Larry. His contribution will be long remembered,” Mr Bakhurst added.

Masterson is survived by his wife Hazel, his daughters Kerri and Tara and extended family.

Fiachra Gallagher

Fiachra Gallagher

Fiachra Gallagher is an Irish Times journalist