Alex Lee Wallau III

January 11, 1945 – October 10, 2025

Alex Wallau, an Emmy Award-winning leader in American television and media, passed away peacefully with his wife, Martha Wallau, at his side on October 10, 2025. Over a distinguished career at ABC, he rose steadily through the ranks to become president of the network, with influence on the fields of broadcasting, corporate strategy, and philanthropy.

Wallau joined ABC in 1976, beginning in the Sports division under legendary executive Roone Arledge. He quickly earned acclaim as a producer and director, especially in televised boxing, collaborating with renowned announcers such as Howard Cosell. Upon Cosell’s retirement in 1986, Wallau transitioned to boxing analyst, earning recognition from the Boxing Writers Association of America in his debut year for excellence in boxing journalism.

In 1993, Wallau moved into management under Robert A. Iger and, by 2000, was named President of ABC. In this role, he oversaw 11 divisions—Entertainment, News, Sports, Finance, Sales, and more—fostering inclusion through talent development programs and showcases designed to elevate actors, writers, and executives from underrepresented backgrounds. Wallau was widely regarded as a mentor and advisor to talent across ABC’s creative ecosystem.

In 2007, Wallau joined The Walt Disney Company’s Corporate Strategy, Business Development & Technology Group as Senior Strategic Advisor. He later contributed to the launch and growth of Disney’s DTCI (Direct-to-Consumer & International) division, until his retirement in 2020.

Wallau’s work in broadcasting earned him many accolades, including two Emmy Awards. In 1987, he received the Sam Taub Award from the Boxing Writers Association of America for excellence in broadcasting journalism. UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center honored him with its Humanitarian Award in 2006.

Active beyond his professional life, Wallau served on the boards of ESPN, the Ad Council, and the Paley Center for Media. He was a devoted supporter of the Inne City Scholarship Fund, providing Catholic school tuition to students of all faiths in New York City.

Diagnosed with throat cancer at age 42 in 1987, Wallau underwent treatments that prolonged his life but left lasting effects over the next 37 years. His courage, determination, perseverance, and humor inspired his family, friends, colleagues, and the many medical professionals who cared for him.

Alex's proudest achievement was his marriage to Martha, of 47 years and a partnership spanning 58 years. Throughout those years, they were very happy and grateful for the life they had together.

He cherished his family and friends, found joy in music, was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and Giants, and treasured his walks in Central Park—especially during his later years.

He will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, optimism, candor, loyalty, and integrity.

Alex is survived by his wife Martha; his sister Elizabeth Howard and her husband Edgar Howard; his brother Ward Wallau and his wife Elizabeth; his sister Claire Musso and her husband Carlos Musso; his brother Sheldon Wallau; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Park Conservancy or Inner-City Scholarship Fund.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the Church of St. Thomas More, 65 East 89th Street, NYC at 3pm. Following mass, a reception will be held on the 4th floor of Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave., NYC.