He was awarded a CBE in 2008. British TV legend Des O'Connor has died aged 88. . Is climate change killing Australian wine? He loved life, and considered enthusiasm almost as important as oxygen," Pat Lake-Smith said in a statement, adding that the "ultimate entertainer" was "well loved by absolutely everybody" and "loved life.". He adored his family they were everything to him. "Unfortunately yesterday evening his condition suddenly deteriorated and he drifted peacefully away in his sleep. Des has been married four times. "Des was the king of telly really for so many years," she told BBC Breakfast, reflecting on her TV viewing habits as a youngster. Menu. Des O'Connor once said that all he did was walk on to the stage, chat to the audience and sing a few songs. 10 days before he died, Do not sell or share my personal information. After he was demobbed, he secured a job as Redcoat with Butlin's - a role that provided the springboard for many a famous show business name - before he was signed up to appear in a variety show at Newcastle's Palace Theatre in 1953. Thanks for all the fun, Des. As you do we engaged in polite pleasantries. I then was faced with following it with a serious commercial for the new Des album. O'Connor was made a CBE in the 2008 Birthday Honours, Looking back on the career of Des O'Connor. "He was the king; he was one of the very great British television entertainers.". Sign Up. The audience roared with laughter.". "It was Des O'Connor who was on all the time, every week. "He was a very generous performer - he shared the laughs.". Self-deprecating entertainer and the son of an Irish binman, who sold 16 million albums and had a TV career for 60 years. "If you are not enjoying it," he once said, "how do you expect them to.". Then in 1980 I set up my office in space within London Management the biggest Agency in London that represented almost all the big names in light entertainment, theatre and film. Yes! Entertainment legend Des OConnor unfortunately died in his sleep on November 14th aged 88 after falling at home in Buckinghamshire earlier in the week. COPYRIGHT 2023. With no bad language, religion, politics or sex in his shows, he brought humour and music safely into the family home in the days when families all . O'Connor's survivors include his wife, Jodie, with whom he'd been married since 2007; their son, Adam; and O'Connor's four daughters from his previous marriages, Karin, TJ, Samantha, and Kristina. Broadcaster Tony Blackburn said "he was a great entertainer and more importantly a very nice person", and TV presenter Gyles Brandreth described him as "the ultimate professional". Self: Des O'Connor the Ultimate Entertainer. Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, Thrillingly tense, belly-laugh funny and mind-warpingly weird - we've got your lockdown weekend sorted, Colleagues, turned lovers, turned enemies. I was to executive produce an album with him, manage the project and then direct the TV commercial and album artwork. O'Connor's long-time friend and fellow comedian Jimmy Tarbuck described him as "a nice guy" and "a giggler". She said in a statement to the PA news agency that the ultimate entertainer had been recovering from the fall when he died. Video, 00:02:36Looking back on the career of Des O'Connor, AI chatbots 'may soon be more intelligent than us', Russia troop deaths hit 20,000 in five months - US, Palestinian hunger striker dies in Israel prison, 'My wife and six children joined Kenya starvation cult', On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. Des O'Connor. With no bad language, religion, politics or sex in his shows, he brought humour and music safely into the family home in the days when families all watched TV together. We may forget that at the time there were only two channels, so they got massive audiences when the live touring variety shows in theatres were declining. "We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Des O'Connor," a Twitter post on the club's page said. He recorded a total of 36 albums and had four top . Few could match his popularity on television and it is incredible to remember that from 1963 to 2002 he hosted his own peak time TV show on either the BBC or ITV, followed by Today with Des and Mel from 2002 to 2006, whilst also hosting the hugely successful Countdown from 2007-2008. "Des famously played for our reserve team on a few occasions just after World War 2. Des was born in Stepney the son of an Irish dustman, Harry OConnor, and a Jewish charlady mother. RIP Des OConnor pic.twitter.com/ZzLarNiTm6, Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) November 15, 2020, Actor Danny Jules-John said: RIP Des OConnor. She added: "He was the master of that - he could control it beautifully.". View our online Press Pack. Earlier this year his daughter Kristina, 32, visited Des through a window at his home where he was isolating to protect himself from coronavirus. "He was the full ticket as a friend and colleague.". These years I will never forget and nor will I forget him. See also. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images) Embed PURCHASE A LICENSE USD ADD TO CART [4], In late 2011, O'Connor starred in Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre. Des O'Connor Net Worth. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. O'Connor and Hartley also created the hit song "My Baby Told Me She Loves Me". It was curiously my last studio-based album before working at ITN.. Thanks for all the fun, Des., RIP Des OConnor, 88. Des most recently had a son Adam at the age of 72 with his partner Jodie Brooke Wilson, who he married in 2007. Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, The 17 most eye-catching looks at the Met Gala, Yellen warns US could run out of cash in a month, Photo of Princess Charlotte shared as she turns 8, King Charles to wear golden robes for Coronation, More than 100 police hurt in French May Day protests. from 1992 to 1999, and the long-running Channel 4 game show Countdown for two years between 2007 and 2008. It was while working in a local shoe factory that he discovered a talent for making people laugh, once recalling his ability to reduce the firm's typing school to giggles and to be the main source of entertainment on works outings. During the war, the family moved to Northampton where he signed as a schoolboy player with Northampton Football Club although he only made the third team. In this way O'Connor found himself as the compere when Buddy Holly toured the UK in 1958. Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites. I suppose I first met him in the 1970s when I was introduced to him by his producer Brian Penders, when I was working for a record company and we would have an artiste as a guest on his show. Carol Vorderman, O'Connor's former on-screen colleague from his two years spent presenting the Channel 4 quiz show Countdown, said he was "a wonderful man" and "fantastic to work with". His fame soared when he was hired to host The Des O'Connor Show, which ran on ITV from 1963 to 1971. Entertainer Des O'Connor has died at the age of 88, his agent has confirmed. . Des famously played for our reserve team on a few occasions just after World War Two. "He adored his family - they were everything to him. I thought no more about it until getting the tube home that night at Oxford Circus where I saw the front page of the Evening Standard which had a huge headline to say Des had jumped ship to ITV from the BBC for the biggest advance in the history of television. O'Connor's agent confirmed the news, saying he died 'peacefully' in his sleep on Saturday, November 14. He later hosted the Channel 4 quiz show Countdown alongside Carol Vorderman, with the pair bowing out together in 2008, and was made a CBE for his services to entertainment and broadcasting in that year's birthday honours. "Up to 20 million people would sit around the television and watch and laugh, and I mean laugh until they cried. They featured comedian Russ Abbot as a fisherman sitting by a lake contentedly smoking a cigar and with great satisfaction lowering a Des OConnor Album into the lake off his rod, to drive all the fish to jump out of the water into his net. Later, while he was in Leeds, he invited the Welsh singer Shirley Bassey out on two dates. He loved life, and considered enthusiasm almost as important as oxygen.". [citation needed], In 2017, O'Connor and Tarbuck toured the UK again from May to December. It led to live appearances in Las Vegas. To view this content choose accept and continue. sixteen million records O'Connor recorded 36 albums and had four top-ten UK singles, including a number-one hit with "I Pretend", with global sales of more than sixteen million records. He was a joy to work with he was talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional. Read about our approach to external linking. Des O'Connor's heartbreaking last pictures show him waving to his daughter through a window as he shielded during the coronavirus outbreak. Jodies world is shattered, she and Adam and Dess daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine, said the entertainers manager in a statement. "Eric & Ernie will be waiting to have a laugh with you tonight Des. He didnt want people to feel sorry for him and for it to be what they first thought about when they saw him. It was an education and a privilege to work with him for the years that followed. Des O'Connor: From Butlin's to chat show king, Looking back on the career of Des O'Connor. It was a formula that made him one of Britain's best-known stars, an old-fashioned showman who could turn his hand to almost anything - fronting his variety programme, hosting chat shows or presiding over the quiz Countdown. Whilst no one should ever feel ashamed of a Parkinsons diagnosis, its also their right not to share it widely. She wrote on Instagram: "He had talent in every fibre of his being and was stubborn as a mule. VideoOn board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, I didnt think make-up was made for black girls, Why there is serious money in kitchen fumes. Northampton Town Football Club also tweeted in remembrance of O'Connor, who played for their reserve team in the 1940s. Read more: 'Ultimate entertainer' Des O'Connor dies aged 88 "Des was the ultimate entertainer. Had a daughter Christina by his marriage to 3rd wife Jay Ruffler. . Entertainer Des O'Connor has died at the age of 88, his agent has confirmed. So, how much is Des O'Connor worth at the age of 88 years old? Cheerful and kind man. As a singer-songwriter, Jodie has reached huge success with her work. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. Our problem was that just before we were to release our album those Castella Cigar Commercials came on TV. . Menu. He was a long-time TV chat-show host, beginning with The Des O'Connor Show in 1963, which ran for ten years. Our album Loving Feeling sold well and made the charts and I feel privileged and proud to have worked on it with Des. His friendship with comedy duo Morecambe and Wise saw him mocked for his singing ability in sketches despite a successful career which included four Top 10 hits and more than 30 albums. The telly legend ruled the small screen for decades and is remembered for hosting shows such as Take Your Pick, Countdown, The Des O Connor Show and Today with Des and Mel. Sandra Day O'Connor in 1981 was the first woman to be appointed to the US Supreme Court. She wrote on Instagram: Des had the softest hands of anyone I ever met and the kindest of hearts. We chatted for a while for a brief catch up and I sent him off in the right direction saying we should meet up for lunch soon when he was not on tour. "He had been admitted to hospital just over a week ago, following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire. And if I live as long as my own father he died at 95 I should be around to see Adam get married. Meanwhile, Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker labelled him as a "truly lovely man and one of the great old school entertainers". He remembers thinking it strange, but never thinking it was Parkinsons-related.. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Due to the success of this show, they toured the country in 2016 from April to October. He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. Eric would come out with lines such as, "If you want me to be a goner, buy me a record by Des O'Connor," often with the singer standing behind him. "He was a joy to work with - he was talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional. Her birthday is 31st August and she was born in 1964, making her 56. ", Meanwhile, O'Connor's Today with Des and Mel co-host Melanie Sykes also remembered O'Connor with a touching tribute post on Instagram, writing, "He had talent in every fibre of his being and was stubborn as a mule. We freeze framed the big splash and cut to a smiling Des as the end shot before the pack shot. Des O'Connor once said that all he did was walk on to the stage, chat to the audience and sing a few songs. He loved life, and considered enthusiasm almost as important as oxygen. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. An almost ever-present face on UK television, he held the record for more mainstream appearances on the small screen than any other performer. [4] He had a brother, William, and a sister, Patricia, one year his junior. The team produced hit songs "Let's Do It Again", "Start Singing A Song", "Yes! Being the son of an Irish tenor and great with vocals I got Irishman Alan ODuffy to produce the album and we spent time with Des at his flat planning the sessions. The club said: "We are very sorry to learn of the passing of Des O'Connor. Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, The 17 most eye-catching looks at the Met Gala, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, Yellen warns US could run out of cash in a month, King Charles to wear golden robes for Coronation, Photo of Princess Charlotte shared as she turns 8. Photo: PA. VideoOn board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, I didnt think make-up was made for black girls, Why there is serious money in kitchen fumes. He always said the sound of laughter was like the sound of heavenly music. A luncheon with family and friends will be held immediately following the service at the American Legion Post 403, 910 Main Street They were able to talk and wave at each other through a window and Kristina was seen wearing a T-shirt tribute to her famous father. Kristina was Des' daughter by his third wife, Jay Rufer. Gyles Brandreth: "I don't think you'll find anybodywho's got a thing to say against Des O'Connor". He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina. Des O'Connor (centre) often worked alongside comedians Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. He is from UK. The star died on Saturday, according to his long-time agent and family friend, Pat Lake-Smith. It's worth remembering how brilliant he is at his own expense in these sketches.". She said: In one of the scenes he had to be put in a hot-air balloon and go up into the gods. London-born O'Connor presented his own prime-time TV shows for more than 45 years but also had success as a singer. In 1950 and 1952, he collaborated in songwriting with British singer Sam Browne and Australian pianist and composer Ray Hartley. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro . Des was pictured giving her a huge smile and thumbs up as they kept their distance. He was the king; he was one of the very great British television entertainers. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Presenter Paddy McGuinness said: Such sad news. Speaking about his sketches with Morecambe and Wise, comedian David Baddiel said: "RIP Des O' Connor. Another part of my childhood telly viewing gone. We have a lot of fun together. A daughter of the late entertainer Des O'Connor is taking legal action against the Metropolitan Police after a detective who told her she was "amazingly hot" during an investigation was allowed to . The 88-year-old, hailed the "ultimate entertainer", died after suffering a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire. I do get concerned that one day hell realise his dad is older than the other fathers, but I cant do anything about that. Commander of the Order of the British Empire, "Des O'Connor: From Butlin's to chat show king", "Book Des O'Connor Celebrities from The Mcleod Agency", "Confirmed: Des O'Connor to Star as The Wizard in THE WIZARD OF OZ from May 22; Show to Close in September", "Des O'Connor Half the things you worry about aren't going to happen", "Still Bringing Us Sunshine: Eric and Ernie's best moments", "How Des O'Connor will never forget Buddy Holly", "RPM Top 30 Adult Contemporary February 21, 1987", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Des_O%27Connor&oldid=1150162828, Between 1977 and 2002, O'Connor presented his own chat show series entitled, From 1992 to 1998 O'Connor presented the game show, In May 2012, O'Connor took part in the TV game show, In December 2012, O'Connor was invited to celebrate 100 years of the, In December 2013, O'Connor appeared in a celebrity edition of, In October 2014, O'Connor was a panellist on an episode of, In April 2017, O'Connor was on the panel of, Phyllis Gill (married 1953, divorced 1959; daughter, Gillian Vaughan (married 1960, divorced 1982; two daughters), Jay Rufer (married 1985, divorced 1990, one daughter), Jodie Brooke Wilson (married September 2007; one son), This page was last edited on 16 April 2023, at 17:14. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. [17], He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours.[18]. Adam O'Connor. The Irish Post delivers all the latest Irish news to our online audience around the globe. He recorded four top 10 singles,[16] including "I Pretend" which topped the UK Singles Chart in 1968, and "The Skye Boat Song", a 1986 duet with Roger Whittaker. Des O'Connor declared he hoped to live to 95 and see his son get married after becoming a dad again at 72. 2023 BBC. "Des O'Connor was never afraid to laugh at himself and that was part of his charm," he wrote. Tributes have poured in following the news that entertainer, TV presenter and singer Des O'Connor has died at the age of 88. The venues they visited included Theatre Royal, Norwich, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Blackpool Opera House, Princess Theatre, Torquay, The Hexagon, Reading, Theatre Royal, Newcastle and Grand Theatre, Swansea. Source: PA. RIP X.". May O'Connor rest in peace as his legacy continues to live on forever. He met his first wife Phyllis Gill while working as a Redcoat at Butlin's in 1953, He had a string of hit singles including a UK No 1, He wrote many of the insults hurled at him by Morecambe and Wise, Jay Leno was one of many international stars who appeared on his chat shows, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. Desmond "Des" O'Connor (12 January 1932 - 14 November 2020) was an English comedian, singer and television presenter.
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