Murray Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Murray Walker
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Walker in 2009
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| Born |
Graeme Murray Walker
10 October 1923 Birmingham, West Midlands, England
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| Died | 13 March 2021 (aged 97) Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Education | Highgate School |
| Alma mater | Royal Military College, Sandhurst |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1948–2020 |
| Employer | |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth Walker
(m. 1955) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1946 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Service number | 14406224 |
| Unit | Royal Scots Greys, 4th Armoured Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Reichswald |
Graeme Murray Walker OBE (born 10 October 1923 – died 13 March 2021) was a famous English motorsport commentator and journalist. He was best known for his exciting television commentary of Formula One races. He worked for the BBC from 1976 to 1996 and then for ITV from 1997 to 2001.
For 23 years, Murray Walker was the main voice of Formula One. Fans loved his energetic style and his unique, sometimes funny, mistakes. These blunders were even called "Murrayisms". His voice was so lively that some compared it to a powerful racing engine. He stopped full-time commentary in 2001 but still made guest appearances on channels like the BBC and Channel 4.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Murray Walker was born in Hall Green, Birmingham, England, on 10 October 1923. His father, Graham Walker, was a well-known motorcycle racer. He competed in famous events like the Isle of Man TT. Murray was an only child. His family moved several times because of his father's work in the motorcycle industry.
Murray went to Highgate School. He was there when World War II started in 1939. Because of the war, he and his classmates were moved to a safer area in Devon. During his time at school, he became a Company Sergeant Major in the School Corps.
After school, Murray joined the armed forces. He trained to be a tank commander. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He became a Captain in the Royal Scots Greys. He even commanded a Sherman tank in the Battle of the Reichswald.
Life After the War
After World War II, Murray tried motorcycle racing like his father. He raced against future champions like John Surtees. He also competed in motorcycle trials, which are off-road challenges. He even won a gold award in the International Six Days Enduro.
Murray then started a career in advertising. He worked for big companies like Dunlop and McCann Erickson. He helped create famous advertising slogans. One well-known slogan he worked on was "A Mars a day helps you work rest and play." He also created "Opal Fruits, made to make your mouth water." He continued his advertising career even after he became famous as a commentator.
Becoming a Commentator
Murray Walker first broadcast publicly in 1948 at a hillclimb event. His first radio commentary for the BBC was at the 1949 British Grand Prix. He also made his television debut that same year. He often commentated on motorcycle races with his father. They were the only father-and-son commentary team at the BBC from 1949 to 1962. After his father passed away, Murray became the BBC's main motorcycle commentator.
He started doing occasional Formula One commentaries in the 1970s. By 1978, he became a full-time F1 commentator. Murray also covered other motorsport events. These included touring car races and rallycross.
Working with James Hunt
From 1980 to 1993, Murray Walker worked with former Formula One World Champion James Hunt. They became a very popular commentary team. At first, they were quite different. Murray was known for his detailed descriptions. James, on the other hand, offered expert opinions and inside information from the pit lane.
Despite their different personalities, they became good friends. They worked together for over a decade. Their partnership ended when James Hunt sadly passed away in 1993. After James, other former F1 drivers like Jonathan Palmer and Martin Brundle joined Murray in the commentary box.
Famous Moments and Retirement
Murray Walker was also known for appearing in advertisements. In 1996, he appeared in a Pizza Hut ad with Formula One driver Damon Hill. He also wrote books about the Grand Prix season.
In 2000, Murray had a fall and broke his hip. He also made a famous mistake during a race, saying the wrong driver had crashed. This led him to consider retirement. His bosses at ITV convinced him to stay for one more season. He announced his retirement from full-time Formula One commentary in December 2000. His final full-time race was the 2001 United States Grand Prix.
Murray received many awards for his work. He was given an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1996. He also received honorary degrees from universities. In 2002, he won a special award from BAFTA for his contribution to television.
Later Years and Legacy
After retiring from full-time commentary, Murray Walker continued to be involved in motorsport. He published his autobiography, Unless I'm Very Much Mistaken, in 2002. He even competed in rally races in Australia and New Zealand as a navigator.
In 2005, he returned to commentary part-time for the new Grand Prix Masters series. He also worked for BBC Radio 5 Live. Murray had hearing loss from years of being around loud engines. He became an ambassador for a hearing aid company.
He continued to make appearances at races and events. He also voiced his own character in the children's TV show Roary the Racing Car. In 2008, he received a "Star" on the Birmingham Walk of Stars in his hometown.
In 2013, Murray had a fall and broke his pelvis. During treatment, doctors found he had an early stage of lymphatic system cancer. He received treatment and recovered well. He continued to appear on TV shows like Pointless and present Formula One programs for Channel 4.
Murray Walker married his wife, Elizabeth, in 1955. They did not have children. He passed away on 13 March 2021, at the age of 97. He is remembered as one of the most iconic and beloved voices in motorsport history.
See also
In Spanish: Murray Walker para niños
