Channel Nine legend Ken Sutcliffe has remembered legendary commentator Darrell Eastlake as somebody he could "get into a lot of trouble with".

"He was larger than life, and he loved life," Sutcliffe told 9NEWS.

The veteran sports caller died aged 75 at his Central Coast nursing home.

Darrell Eastlake joined Channel Nine in 1982. (9NEWS) (Nine)

Channel Nine legend Ken Sutcliffe said Darrell Eastlake was "larger than life". (9news)

The former Wide World of Sports star retired from the media in 2005 after a long and illustrious career as one of the voices of rugby league.

Famous for commentating State of Origin matches in the 1980s, Eastlake called a number of sports including Formula 1 and motorbike racing.

Sutcliffe was full of praise for his former co-worker, calling him "integral" to the success of State of Origin.

"He had a generous spirit, a really generous spirit," Sutcliffe said.

Eastlake was best known for calling State of Origin games for Channel Nine. (9NEWS) (Nine)

The veteran broadcaster has battled with Alzheimer's. (9NEWS) (Nine)

"And his enthusiasm for sport was really so infectious."

He said Eastlake was his authentic self on television - something that was hard for many.

And despite his "larrikin" ways, he took his craft seriously, Sutcliffe said.

"He took himself seriously to the point where he wanted to do a good job," he said.

Eastlake was renowned for his booming commentary. (9NEWS) (Nine)

Julie Eastlake said it was heartbreaking watching her husband "fade away". (9NEWS) (Nine)

"He never, ever took himself that seriously that he didn't want to be an entertainer.

"He was an original. He was truly original."

Wide World of Sports director Tom Malone said Darrell's impact on Australian sport could not be overstated.

"He was one of the leading voices and faces of Wide World of Sports. He revolutionised sports like Weightlifting, Formula 1, and Superbikes with his trademark excitement and 'HUUGE' commentary," Malone said.

"Better than most, he understood that sport is entertainment, and for the average person, a momentary escape from their everyday life.

"His inimitable commentary was central to the early success of State of Origin, especially his love of King Wally, Lang Park, and the underdog Queenslanders.

Eastlake has battled Alzheimer's in the past few years. (9NEWS) (Nine)

"He loved athletes and he loved sport and shared that passion and love with all of us through the television. Our thoughts are with his wife Julie and his family and friends."

Speaking to A Current Affair in 2016, Julie revealed her heartbreak over her husband's debilitating health.

Eastlake was famously removed from the commentary floor at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games for his excited delivery.

Julie told the show it was hard watching her husband fade before her eyes.

"I do a lot of crying when I leave the nursing home," she said. "I sit here and say to myself, 'where's my man gone?'"