Legendary journalist and former senator Derryn Hinch has left one last scandalous story behind, proving he remained the ultimate Human Headline right until the very end. At his pre-arranged Melbourne send-off, mourners were left in stitches as a close colleague exposed a secret 53-year-old romance with Hollywood superstar Bette Midler.
The colorful, often controversial, and completely uninhibited life of Australian broadcasting titan Derryn Hinch has come to a dramatic final close.
Hinch passed away on July 10 at the age of 82 after a lengthy, highly publicized health struggle — much of which he candidly documented for his devoted followers on social media until his final days.
On Monday, mourners, high-profile celebrities, media icons, and former political colleagues gathered in Port Melbourne to farewell one of Australia’s most outspoken, fearless, and influential voices.
The service for the lifelong atheist began precisely at midday inside the sprawling Timber Yard events space in Port Melbourne.
In typical, uncompromising Hinch style, the self-proclaimed Human Headline had meticulously pre-arranged every single detail of his own funeral, ensuring his final exit would be just as memorable as his decades on air.
Tardio claimed Hinch and Midler had a secret fling, 53 years ago. Credit: AAP
However, the quiet reflection inside the venue was suddenly shattered by a jaw-dropping revelation from former 3AW broadcaster and longtime colleague Tony Tardio.
Taking to the stage to deliver a eulogy for his late friend, Tardio delivered one final, sensational bombshell that sent shockwaves and laughter through the crowd.
Tardio revealed that during an interview Hinch conducted with Hollywood superstar Bette Midler 53 years ago, the pair’s professional relationship quickly spilled over into an intense, secret romantic fling.
Setting up the shocking disclosure with a classic journalistic maxim, Tardio leaned into the microphone and declared:
“The only thing history owes the dead is the truth.”
Former 3AW broadcaster and colleague Tony Tardio. Credit: 7NEWS
Without missing a beat, Tardio dropped the scandalous detail that Hinch had kept under wraps for more than half a century:
“Derryn and Bette Midler engaged in a bit of horizontal romper after that interview.”
Pausing as the crowd erupted into immediate laughter and applause, Tardio added with absolute conviction:
“And that is the truth.”
Tardio went on to fondly describe Hinch as a “journalist James Bond”, reminding everyone in attendance that drama, glamour, and sensational headlines seemed to follow the legendary broadcaster everywhere he stepped.
Derryn Hinch died aged 82 after a colourful but often controversial life. Credit: AAP
Hinch became a household name across the nation during his legendary decades on Melbourne radio station 3AW, where his completely uninhibited style, fiery delivery, and willingness to court intense controversy forever transformed Australian talkback radio.
Born in New Zealand, Hinch initially moved to Australia to pursue his passion for hard-hitting journalism, rapidly climbing the media ranks to become the editor of The Sun before transitioning into a powerhouse career in radio and television.
He later hosted his own highly rated national television program, using his massive media platform to launch a relentless, uncompromising crusade against child sex abusers.
His passionate campaigning ultimately saw him jailed for contempt of court after he repeatedly defied legal gag orders to publicly name convicted offenders, solidifying his reputation as a man who placed his morals above the law.
Over the years, he enthusiastically adopted the moniker “Human Headline”, wearing it as a badge of honor as he dominated news cycles with his outspoken and polarising opinions.
Mourners gathered to pay tribute to Derryn Hinch, with his coffin draped with an Australian flag Credit: AAP