Celebrating Classic British TV Personalities

Celebrating Classic British TV Personalities: A Look Back at the Legends of British Television

For decades, British television has been home to some of the world’s most iconic personalities. From comedians to game show hosts, these TV legends have left a lasting impression on audiences across the country and around the world. In this article, we celebrate the classic British TV personalities of yesteryear, whose wit and charm have stood the test of time.

Jimmy Tarbuck

Jimmy Tarbuck was a popular comedian and TV host who made his name in the 1960s and 70s. He hosted several variety shows, including Sunday Night at the London Palladium, and was a regular on the comedy circuit. His quick wit and cheeky humor made him a household name and endeared him to audiences of all ages. He could not sing or dance but used to command £500 for an appearance fee over 50 years ago, when a house was only £2500.

Michael Barrymore

Michael Barrymore was one of the most popular TV hosts in the 1980s and 90s, best known for his work on shows such as Strike It Lucky and My Kind of Music. His flamboyant personality and infectious energy made him a hit with audiences, and he was widely regarded as one of the most talented entertainers of his generation.

Eric Sykes

Eric Sykes was a British comedy legend, best known for his work on The Goon Show and his own series, Sykes. His trademark wit and humor endeared him to audiences across the country, and his talent as a writer and performer made him a respected figure in the world of comedy.

Ken Dodd

Ken Dodd was a beloved comedian and entertainer who spent over six decades in show business. He was famous for his “tickling stick” and his catchphrase “How tickled I am!” and was a regular on TV variety shows throughout the 1960s and 70s. His infectious humor and zany antics made him a household name and endeared him to audiences of all ages. In 1989 Dodd faced 27 charges relating to tax evasion to the tune of around £1million over 15 years which went to trial. He admitted to keeping more than £330,000 in cash in the attic but legal worries came to an end a year later when he was acquitted of all charges. Dodd is said to have amassed a fortune of £7.2 million after a lifetime in entertainment.

Tommy Cooper

Tommy Cooper was a British comedy icon, famous for his trademark red fez and his ability to make audiences laugh with his slapstick humor. He was a regular on TV variety shows in the 1970s and 80s, and his unique blend of physical comedy and witty one-liners made him a favorite of viewers across the country.

Les Dawson

Les Dawson was a comedian and actor who made his name in the 1970s and 80s. He was famous for his deadpan delivery and his ability to make audiences laugh with his observations on everyday life. He appeared on numerous TV shows, including The Les Dawson Show and Blankety Blank, and was a beloved figure in British entertainment.

Benny Hill

Benny Hill was a British comedian and actor who rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s. He was best known for his eponymous TV show, The Benny Hill Show, which featured a mix of sketch comedy, slapstick, and musical numbers. His bawdy humor and irreverent style made him a controversial figure, but he remained a popular entertainer throughout his career.

Harry Enfield

Harry Enfield was a comedian and actor who became a household name in the 1990s with his TV show, Harry Enfield and Chums. He was famous for his characters, including Loadsamoney and The Slobs, and his ability to satirize contemporary culture. He was a key figure in the British comedy scene of the 1990s and remains a respected performer today.

Bruce Forsyth

Bruce Forsyth was a legendary British entertainer who had a career spanning over seven decades. He was known for his work as a comedian, presenter, singer, and dancer, and he hosted several popular television shows, including “The Generation Game” and “Strictly Come Dancing”. Forsyth’s unique charm, wit, and showmanship made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and he was awarded the CBE in 1998 and the knighthood in 2011 for his services to entertainment.

Billy Connolly

Billy Connolly is a Scottish comedian, musician, and actor who has had a successful career in television, film, and stand-up comedy. He is known for his unique brand of humor, which often includes stories and anecdotes from his life. Connolly’s work has won several awards, including a BAFTA Award for Best Entertainment Performance in 1994, and he was awarded a CBE in 2003 for his contributions to entertainment.

Bob Monkhouse

British comedian, writer, and actor, who was born on June 1, 1928, and passed away on December 29, 2003. He was best known for his quick wit and his ability to ad-lib. Monkhouse hosted many television shows, including “The Golden Shot,” “Celebrity Squares,” and “Family Fortunes.”

Des O’Connor

British singer, comedian, and television presenter, who was born on January 12, 1932, and passed away on November 14, 2020. He was best known for hosting his own talk show, “The Des O’Connor Show,” which aired in the UK for over 20 years. He also hosted several game shows, including “Take Your Pick” and “Countdown.”

Ronnie Corbett

Scottish comedian, actor, and writer, who was born on December 4, 1930, and passed away on March 31, 2016. He was best known for his work with Ronnie Barker, with whom he starred in the sketch comedy show “The Two Ronnies.” Corbett also appeared in several films and television shows, including “Sorry!” and “Extras.”

Ronnie Barker

English actor, comedian, and writer, who was born on September 25, 1929, and passed away on October 3, 2005. He was best known for his work with Ronnie Corbett, with whom he starred in “The Two Ronnies” and “Porridge.” Barker also appeared in several other television shows and films, including “Open All Hours” and “Going Straight.”