Larry Masterson, born on 3rd June 1949 and passed away on 14th April 2024 at 74 years old, earned high regard in his roles as a producer for RTÉ and an advocate for social justice. He exhibited an inherent comprehension of what made for captivating television and held an authentic connection with viewers, whom he presumed enjoyed being both amused and stimulated.
In Montrose, Masterson cultivated a lasting and rewarding partnership with Mike Murphy, jointly producing the series The Live Mike. He later navigated The Late Late Show its arduous transition phase following the departure of Gay Byrne, providing support to Pat Kenny and Ryan Tubridy as they took on the most significant role in Irish broadcasting.
Parallel to his accomplishments in light entertainment, Masterson was relentless in his support for the underprivileged. He played a key role in founding the Simon Community in Ireland, and later served as the director of social services in Drogheda. Despite his consequent career in television, he remained deeply connected to current affairs and backed the idea of incorporating a political element in “light entertainment” such as The Late Late Show. His recipe for an ideal chat show was straightforward: inclusive of discussion, gossip, politics, and a touch of compassion.
Miriam O’Callaghan paid homage to Masterson, describing him on social media as “the best of men.” She hailed him as “a brilliant TV executive producer, but more importantly a beautiful man”.
Masterson was the first-born among three siblings, raised on Gardiner Street, in the northern inner city of Dublin. His father, Peter, was a skilled carpenter, and his mother, Margaret, a dedicated homemaker. His early experience of the challenging inner-city life instilled in him a deep-seated commitment to help those less privileged.
After receiving his education from a local Christian Brothers school, he further pursued social science at the Earlsfort Terrace campus of UCD. His life took a turning point during his university years when he attended a thought-provoking speech by Anton Wallach-Clifford, one of the founders of the London-based Simon Community, at Trinity College. Alongside his pals Brian McCarthy and Denis Cahalane, Masterson decided to establish the Simon Community in Ireland. Post graduation, he joined the social protection department in Drogheda. During this period, Noel Smyth, an RTÉ producer, often invited him on panel discussions to provide his expert insight on contemporary social issues. His commanding presence, fervour and command over facts led to his association as a researcher with Bunny Carr’s Encounter.
In Drogheda, he met his first wife, actor and film producer Áine O’Connor, with whom he ended his relationship after four years. Later, he married Hazel, and together they had two daughters, Kerri and Tara.
In the late 70s, Masterson collaborated with Mike Murphy on the highly praised Live Mike show. The pair became popular for their audacious and adventurous approach to discussing Ireland’s socio-political instability during the recession through their candid-camera sketches. Their synergy was stern enough to make Masterson join Murphy when he decided to quit RTÉ and start his own production firm in the early 80s.
They co-founded Emdee Productions, along with cinematographer Seamus Deasy. Their first successful venture was Murphy’s Australia which was an innovative celebrity travelogue where well-known figures travel abroad and share their experiences. Murphy praised his friend and business partner of over 40 years in a tribute saying, “Larry was unique. He was tougher yet sensitive, but found happiness in the company of Hazel, Kerri, and Tara”.
TV executive producer Miriam O’Callaghan also expressed her respect and admiration for Larry through social media, describing him as a beautiful man who was empathetic, caring, witty, and always supportive of his team and presenter.
Masterson took the helm at Emdee following Murphy’s eventual departure and oversaw the production of several series including Written in Stone. His most prominent project was a 2001 documentary titled If I Should Fall From Grace with God: The Shane MacGowan Story, giving viewers an insight into the life of the Pogues singer with interviews from other notable personalities like Elvis Costello, Nick Cave, Johnny Depp and Sinéad O’Connor. His successful productions garnered interest from overseas, leading to job proposals from BBC and Channel 4. However, his affection for Ireland and his close relations prevented him from leaving Dún Laoghaire, his place of residence. Several of his shows were nonetheless distributed on Channel 4 and Discovery.
Masterson resumed his role at RTÉ as a freelance producer in the early 2000s, contributing to programmes such as Open House and Saturday Night with Miriam.
A fervent reader and a keen art enthusiast, Masterson was particularly drawn towards exploring Ireland’s inland waterways by boat. His fascination was reflected in his production of Dick Warner’s Waterways, a programme that brought him great pride. Following retirement, he dedicated a large part of his time to lawn bowls in Spain and swimming in the mornings. He leaves behind his wife Hazel, daughters Kerri and Tara, grandsons Spencer, Ryan and Dylan and his sisters, Anne and Patricia.