Daily Mirror legend Ted Macauley, a renowned sports reporter who counted George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Barry Sheene among his close friends, has passed away at the age of 91. Known as a one-of-a-kind journalist, Macauley was described by his long-time friend Paul Smith as a "one-off - one of a kind."
A Storied Career
Macauley's career spanned more than 35 years at the Daily Mirror, where he served as the paper's Formula 1 correspondent and became the face of its motorbike racing coverage, including the Isle of Man TT, during the 1970s and 1980s. He also worked as a showbiz feature writer, interviewing Hollywood stars such as Paul Newman, Lee Marvin, Michael Caine, Jayne Mansfield, and Ringo Starr. Richard Attenborough even cast him as an extra in the iconic film 'A Bridge Too Far.'
Friendship with Sporting Legends
Macauley's friendships with Best and two-time world motorcycle racing champion Sheene inspired him to write his memoirs, "Raring to Go," published three years ago. He recalled how Best often slept on his sofa, saying, "I lost count of the times." He also shared stories about Sheene's lifestyle, noting the booze, glamorous women, and drug-taking. Both Sheene and Best died young—Sheene at 52 in 2003 and Best at 59 in 2005.
Paul Smith, a former Mirror executive, said: "He was a great friend and a legendary sports reporter and feature writer. Based in Manchester, he was the doyen of sports reporters and was close friends with Manchester United legends George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Ray 'Butch' Wilkins."
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from the Mirror, Macauley wrote several books about his sporting heroes and his life as a globe-trotting journalist. He died on Wednesday at the age of 91, with his beloved wife Dee by his side. He is survived by his son Iain, daughter Kerris, and four grandchildren.
