Renowned Daily Mirror journalist Ted Macauley, known for his close relationships with sports icons such as George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Barry Sheene, passed away at the age of 91. Paul Smith, a friend of Ted, described him as a unique and exceptional individual. Ted shared anecdotes about Best’s frequent stays on his sofa and memorable encounters with celebrities like Paul Newman and Ringo Starr.
During his 35-year tenure at the Mirror, Ted specialized in Formula 1 reporting and was a prominent figure in the paper’s motorbike racing coverage. His connection with motorcycle racing legend Mike Hailwood led to a deep friendship, with Ted eventually managing Hailwood until his tragic demise in a car accident.
Based in Manchester, Ted was a revered sports reporter and befriended Manchester United legends like Best and Charlton. His global sports coverage and showbiz features brought him face to face with Hollywood stars like Paul Newman and Lee Marvin. Reflecting on his career in 2023, Ted highlighted his involvement in football and Grand Prix racing, mourning the premature deaths of Best and Sheene.
Ted reminisced about the wild lifestyles of Best and Sheene, emphasizing their friendship and untimely deaths. Following his retirement from The Mirror, Ted authored several books chronicling his experiences as a globetrotting news and sports journalist. At 91, Ted passed away with his wife Dee by his side, leaving behind a son, daughter, and four grandchildren.
