Alex Wallau, who transitioned from a director and producer role at ABC Sports to becoming a boxing commentator and an advisor to Disney icons like Robert A. Iger and Jimmy Kimmel, passed away on Friday at age 80 following a prolonged struggle with throat cancer.
Wallau was valued as a pivotal figure in the media and television landscape within Disney, respected by those both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
During a recent Bloomberg conference in Los Angeles, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel referred to Wallau as “a guy who’s really been my mentor at ABC.” Wallau played a key role in facilitating the broadcast of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” across ABC’s affiliates in 2002, guiding the show through its challenging initial phase.
Kimmel recounted a specific incident from 2004 when he joked on air about Detroit during the NBA Finals, saying, “They’re gonna burn the city of Detroit down if the Pistons win,” which resulted in his show being pulled by the Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ. “People were upset, and they took me off the air in Detroit. Alex Wallau told me, ‘if we don’t have Detroit, you’re done. The show’s over.’ I was shocked to hear that.”
In order to regain the market, Wallau suggested sending the production team to Detroit for a series of shows. Fast forward to 2025, during a temporary suspension at ABC, Kimmel reflected on that 2004 incident and Wallau’s advice. When Nexstar and Sinclair pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” it felt much more severe compared to what had occurred in Detroit. Remembering Wallau’s words, Kimmel worried that his show might be finished. “I told my wife, ‘that’s it. It’s over.’”
Wallau began his career at ABC in 1976 under executive Roone Arledge at ABC Sports, collaborating with prominent figures like Howard Cosell. He became a boxing analyst in 1986, following Cosell’s retirement, and was noted for his significant contributions in sports, particularly televised boxing. Wallau also played a crucial role in securing broadcasting rights for ABC Sports and negotiating related fees. Despite battling Stage 4 throat cancer that necessitated multiple surgeries, he continued his role as a boxing analyst until 2000.
In 1993, Wallau shifted to a management position, serving under Iger, who has since returned to lead Disney as CEO. He was appointed president of ABC in 2000, responsible for entertainment, news, sports, finance, and advertising sales. He mentored numerous executives and performers, known for his willingness to engage with reporters about the intricacies of advertising sales or production agreements. After a 2004 overhaul of Disney’s television operations, Wallau transitioned out of his role, yet remained in charge of ABC News, ad sales, and affiliate relations.
“Alex Wallau was my dear friend and colleague for 50 years. He played a defining role in what exceptional television could look like, from his contributions in sports broadcasting to his influential leadership at ABC and Disney,” said Iger in a statement released to Variety. “He led with integrity, conviction, and a passion that inspired all those around him. I will deeply miss him.”
Wallau spent thirteen years as a senior strategic advisor within Disney’s corporate strategy, business development, and technology division, where he contributed to the establishment of Disney’s direct-to-consumer and international division before retiring in 2020.
Born on January 11, 1945, in New York City, Wallau was one of seven siblings. His father operated a hosiery manufacturing business in Stamford, Connecticut.
After earning his degree from Williams College, he began his career as a sports writer and editor and also worked as a public relations consultant for various political campaigns. He is survived by his wife Martha, his sister Elizabeth Howard and her husband Edgar, his brother Ward Wallau and his wife Elizabeth, his sister Claire Musso and her husband Carlos, his brother Sheldon Wallau, and numerous nieces and nephews.
