The tributes are flowing in and so they should, of course. But not many Australian writers would, on their passing, receive such a measure of respect as has been shown to Ray Kolle, not only here but in the English press as well. ‘Legendary’ is the word they are using.
It’s hardly surprising. Ray Kolle, who died suddenly last week, was one of the first and one of the best of Australia’s scriptwriters, creating stories and characters for hundreds of shows both here and overseas.
He is perhaps best remembered for his lengthy spells as writer and script producer on Neighbours and Home and Away, and also for his work on Return to Eden, but there were countless others: Prisoner, The Sullivans, Cop Shop, Sons and Daughters, The Box, Starting Out, The Damnation of Harvey McHugh … the list goes on.
I first met Ray at the beginning of my own career, at a script conference for Bellbird. Yes, it was that long ago, and we’ve been friends ever since, in fact I was talking to him only a few days before he died. He was not well, indeed he was in a lot of pain, but he managed to be his usual warm, funny self.
Ray was not just a friend of mine, but someone who was widely known throughout the scriptwriting world. He was a fine writer; he excelled at comedy, which got him work on shows like In Melbourne Tonight. However, it was his true understanding of human nature, much of it learned through personal experience, which brought his characters to life and gave the actors plenty to work with. He was also a joy to work with at a story conference – full of ideas and generous with them. I still laugh at the memory of his parents asking him, ‘When are you going to get a proper job, Raymond?’ Needless to say, he was never out of work. His skills as a writer, editor, storyliner and what is now called a showrunner were exemplary and always in demand.
Ray was a true gentleman. Yes, he could get angry if people didn’t give of their best, but he wasn’t, at least in my experience, one to rant and rave. Having suffered since a very young age from Type 1 diabetes, he was not a drinker (unlike many of his colleagues), but he was always wonderful company. His great joy was to head off to New York each season with his partner to see all the new musicals. He had a passion for music and wrote and produced several musicals in between his television work, including the highly successful Fetch Me A Fig-Leaf . He also took an interest in the next generation of scriptwriters and taught for several years at the AFTRS. His output was more than prolific, it was, to some of us, quite incredible. A proper job?
Ray, my dear friend, it’s time to close the computer. Time to write Finis. I’m glad you are out of that unbearable pain but like many, many others, I’m going to miss you so much.
– Judith Colquhoun
