His agent added: "He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters . We then recorded his vocals at Livingston Studios in Wood Green. Prior to his break on television, his first fully professional stage appearance in variety, was in a Newcastle theatre. He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. "It was Des O'Connor who was on all the time, every week. What the audience didn't realise was that many of the gags were written by O'Connor himself, who had been great friends with the duo since their early days in show business. Des O'Connor, who has died at the age of 88, was an . A former chat show host, he was the presenter of the longrunning Channel 4 gameshow Countdown for two years. DES O'Connor's wife and children's worlds were "shattered" when the TV legend died, his agent said. Talkshow Host. Personal Quotes (2) He also presented several U.K. television game shows, including Take Your Pick! The comic's family confirmed that he died "peacefully" in his sleep on Saturday, November 14, after being admitted to hospital in Buckinghamshire, England, last week. And if I live as long as my own father he died at 95 I should be around to see Adam get married. It was an education and a privilege to work with him for the years that followed. He was just great to work with and a consummate professional. She said: In one of the scenes he had to be put in a hot-air balloon and go up into the gods. Cyrils Sunday call had clearly just made Des millions and a good bit of commission for himself, so I suppose worth disturbing his family lunch, but it made me realise just how successful Des was being a top TV star for what turned out to be a remarkable 40 years. Beginning at the bottom of the ladder in 1954, after National Service, his showbusiness career was truly remarkable. 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. R.I.P.. 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. [citation needed] He toured with Buddy Holly (during Holly's 1958 stay in the UK)[15] and Jason Donovan. Jodies world is shattered, she and Adam and Dess daughters are hurting more than you could possibly imagine. 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. 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. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. In this way O'Connor found himself as the compere when Buddy Holly toured the UK in 1958. Had a daughter Christina by his marriage to 3rd wife Jay Ruffler. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Des's wife Jodie is said to be 'shattered' by the loss of her husband, Credit: UPP:Universal Pictorial Press and Agency, The veteran entertainer enjoyed six decades in the world of entertainment, and made a name for himself on both sides of the Atlantic, Kristina pictured cuddled up to her beloved dad, Kristina went to visit her dad wearing a tribute T-shirt during lockdown, He also recorded a whopping 36 albums as a singer - five of which reached the UK Top 40, The 88-year-old died after falling in his house, Des OConnors wife Jodie Brooke Wilson and children hurting more than you can imagine after entertainer dies aged 88, Huge blow to Keir Starmer as Sun mega poll shows Brits think Rishi Sunak is a better leader & reject Labour's woke ideas, Brits are proud of this great country despite endless negativity from the left, Just one in five Brits back 'completely outdated' BBC licence fee, poll reveals, Chances of Labour landslide are melting as voters simply don't trust Keir Starmer, Evil 'Devils Disciple' serial killer enjoys freedom after 47 years despite being 'too dangerous to release permanently', First picture of 'friend to everyone' Brit grandad, 60, who died snorkelling on dream family P&O cruise in Caribbean, Leading Jewish organisation demands meeting with Guardian editor over 'sickening anti-Semitic cartoon' of ex-BBC boss, Woman stabbed to death in horror daylight attack on busy street next to O2 Brixton Academy as police hunt killer, 88-year-old, hailed the "ultimate entertainer", Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). O'Connor starred in mainstream television shows in almost every year from 1963 until the 2000s, a feat that only one other television personality has achieved worldwide (U.S. game show host Bob Barker, who hosted mainstream television shows from 1956 until 2007, with 19661972 being in syndication). "When he chose me to be his co-host on the Today daytime show it was one the greatest days of my professional life," she added. He recorded a total of 36 albums and had four top . (I Like Good Old Melody)" and "Why Do I Love You?". That, and his ability to send himself up, made him a beacon in the world of TV entertainment. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. She said: "He was a joy to work with - he was talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional. Ant and Dec have paid tribute to the much-loved comedian, singer and TV host Des O'Connor. Des O'Connor (centre) often worked alongside comedians Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. About Des O'Connor. The show followed the format of theatre variety with O'Connor wisecracking to the audience, singing songs and introducing a stream of guest stars. [4], In late 2011, O'Connor starred in Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre. Obituary: Des O'Connor. Des O'Connor. O'Connor's fame as a performer soared when he was recruited by ITV to host The Des O'Connor Show, which ran from 1963 to 1971. O'Connor is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam as well as his four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina. [3] In 1958, when Buddy Holly toured the UK, O'Connor was the show's compre for which he was paid 100 per week.[2]. Des O'Connor Biography and WikiDesmond Bernard O'Connor popularly known as Des O'Connor was an English singer, television presenter, and comedian. He was the last of those talented all-round entertainers from a different era, who rose from treading the boards at seedy variety venues all around the country as a comedian and singer before moving into television in the early days of ITV, when the light entertainment TV shows were hugely popular on both BBC and ITV. Is climate change killing Australian wine? As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Des O'Connor Marriages. He married his first wife Phyllis Gill in 1953 and . A stylish new drama directed by Lena Dunham, 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. Des O'Connor with wife Jodie Brooke Wilson and son Adam O'Connor. Adam O'Connor is known for Des O'Connor the Ultimate Entertainer (2020). Telly legend Des O'Connor was seen waving to his daughter through the window as he shielded during the coronavirus outbreak. Des is survived by wife Jodie Brooke Wilson and five children. Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness tweeted in response to the "sad news". Sign Up. She added: "He was the master of that - he could control it beautifully.". Read about our approach to external linking. Des OConnor was never afraid to laugh at himself and that was part of his charm. (Apr 3, 2014) read more news. Aside from television, OConnor had a successful music career, recording 36 albums, five of which reached the UK top 40. He contracted rickets while he was a child which resulted in him having callipers on his legs until he was seven. After the news of Des OConnors passing, fans want to know more about the wife he has sadly left behind. To view this content choose accept and continue. Des reportedly met the Australian singer in 1990 when they appeared in the panto together. His singing was often mocked on the comedy series The Morecambe & Wise Show, but showing his sense of humor, O'Connor would often take part in the sketches on the show. MORE : Ariel Pink dropped by record label after attending Capitol riots, MORE : Alex Trebeks emotional final sign off from Jeopardy! An almost ever-present face on UK television, he held the record for more mainstream appearances on the small screen than any other performer. Im sure that the decision to speak publicly about Des diagnosis wasnt an easy one, but were grateful that Jodie was willing to share the familys experience with the condition. She also shared a snap of herself cuddling up to her dad before lockdown. Adam O'Connor born 2004, age 16 Her Other Children Des O'Connor CBE Bio Details Full name Desmond Bernard O'Connor Gender Male Age 88 Date of birth Tuesday 12 Jan 1932 Birth place Stepney, London, England, UK Date of death: 14 Nov 2020 Occupations Butlin's Redcoat TV Presenter RAF Writer Talkshow Host Singer & Recording Artist (1967) He is a self-professed horror expert, pop culture enthusiast, and Bob Saget fanatic. Read about our approach to external linking. His agent said: Des, who was 88, was so well loved by absolutely everyone. Des O'Connor dead: TV legend dies aged 88, Kristina shared a pre-lockdown picture of the pair cuddling on the sofa, (left to right Des O'Connor with his daughters Samantha and Karen, wife Jodie, son Adam and daughter Kristina. Her honesty will give hope to the 1 million people in the UK affected by Parkinsons.. Des O'Connor was awarded a CBE for services to entertainment and broadcasting by Queen Elizabeth II. [3], In his childhood, he had rickets and was later badly injured in a hit-and-run car accident which meant he had to be in an iron lung for six months. O'Connor appeared at the Glasgow Empire, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, the Opera House, Sydney, and the O'Keefe Centre, Toronto, and made more than one thousand solo appearances at the London Palladium. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. He was the full ticket as a friend and colleague.". "He had talent in every fibre of his being and was stubborn as a mule," wrote Sykes. He didnt want people to feel sorry for him and for it to be what they first thought about when they saw him. Mr Versatile: Des O'Connor. O'Connor was a regular guest on the Morecambe and Wise Show usually the butt of jokes about his ability as a singer. Developed by Square1, Ronan Keating will run 100k to support cancer charity on 25th anniversary of mum's death, Two Irish cities deemed best in Europe for bookworms, Ten of the most glorious gardens the island of Ireland has to offer, Investigation launched after cars destroyed in arson attacks in County Down, The international impresario from Magherafelt Paul Charles, 'We haven't done it yet,' says Postecoglou but Celtic remain on course for treble after win over Rangers, Staff and shoppers evacuated from Derry shop as police investigate arson report. Des OConnor was the most genial laid-back star that you would never know once had a Worldwide TV audience of 200 million. 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. 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. This Instagram post cannot be displayed in your browser. Presenter Paddy McGuinness said: Such sad news. This news comes to us from BBC News. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Des O'Connor with his (left to right) daughters Samantha and Karen, wife Jodie, son Adam, 4, and daughter Kristina. Find out more about Jodie Brooke Wilson. In 2001, O'Connor was presented with the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards for his contribution to television. "I've never done a day's work in my life. [14] He worked with many pop stars, including Adam Faith, Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, and Cilla Black. Des O'Connor was the most genial laid-back star that you would never know once had a Worldwide TV audience of 200 million. 'Ultimate entertainer' Des O'Connor dies aged 88, 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. OConnor died in his sleep from sepsis in hospital, hours after spending time with his youngest daughter Kristina. ", 'Ultimate entertainer' Des O'Connor dies aged 88, 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 OConnor was never afraid to laugh at himself and that was part of his charm. Des famously played for our reserve team on a few occasions just after World War Two. 2023 BBC. In the 2000s, he also hosted Today with Des and Mel and Countdown before appearing in the 2012 one-off special The One and Only Des O'Connor. Thanks for all the fun, Des., RIP Des OConnor, 88. A luncheon with family and friends will be held immediately following the service at the American Legion Post 403, 910 Main Street Wilson, who met OConnor 31 years ago and married him in 2007, said that he first saw something was wrong in 2012 when he starred as the wizard in a London Palladium production of The Wizard Of Oz. 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. I was bemused as in my world artistes would think nothing of calling you in the middle of the night, seven days a week, for something trivial. Des O'Connor 's heartbreaking last pictures shows him waving to his daughter through a window as he shielded during the coronavirus outbreak. Rest in peace, Des, you will be sadly missed. In a statement his agent said he was "well loved by absolutely everybody" and "loved life". Yes! OConnor only told immediate family including his wife, their 16-year-old son Adam and his four grown-up daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina from previous relationships about his illness. In 1977 he began hosting Des O'Connor Tonight, which started on BBC Two before moving to ITV, where it stayed until it ended in 2002. Parkinsons UKs chief executive Steve Ford said: The news that Des OConnor lived with Parkinsons for a number of years before his death, will no doubt inspire members of the Parkinsons community. A veteran of the Royal Air Force, O'Connor began his career as an entertainer on stage, working prolifically in theatre before his big break on television. "If you are not enjoying it," he once said, "how do you expect them to.". O'Connor appeared on stages around the world including hundreds of shows at the London Palladium. You may want to read Metas Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. RIP Des OConnor pic.twitter.com/ZzLarNiTm6, Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) November 15, 2020, Actor Danny Jules-John said: RIP Des OConnor. He was. Jimmy Connors was a leading American tennis player of the 1970's and 1980's. Le Championnat du monde 2023 est un tournoi Majeur de snooker comptant pour la saison 2022-2023.L'preuve se droule du 15 avril 2023 (phase finale) au 1 er mai 2023 au Crucible Theatre de Sheffield, en Angleterre.Elle est organise par la WPBSA et parraine pour la premire fois par la socit de vente de voitures en ligne britannique Cazoo. Sandra Day O'Connor in 1981 was the first woman to be appointed to the US Supreme Court. In 1977 he began hosting Des O'Connor Tonight, which started on BBC Two before moving to ITV, where it stayed until it ended in 2002. "He was recovering well and had been in great spirits, visited by his family in accordance with hospital lockdown regulations and looking forward to going home. What very sad news. What very sad news. When he chose me to be his co host on the Today daytime show it was one the greatest days of my professional life. Walter Patrick (Pat) O'Connor, 70, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at the Rehab Center of Des Moines following surgery. The comedian, singer and TV host died on Saturday following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire just over a week ago. O'Connor presented Today With Des And Mel from 2002 to 2006. Entertainer Des O'Connor has died at the age of 88, his agent has confirmed. Des O'CONNOR Des O'Connor dead: TV legend dies aged 88 after suffering fall at home. "Gorgeous memories of singing Something Stupid with Des O'Connor," she tweeted. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. Read about our approach to external linking. LEGENDARY entertainer Des O'Connor died aged 88 in his sleep on Saturday 14 November, 2020, after a glittering career in television spanning six decades. "After all, I was given the princely sum of a hundred pounds per week which was a lot of money back in those days.". O'Connor appeared with Morecambe and Wise on several of their Christmas shows. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. Having cut his teeth as a game show host on Take Your Pick in 1992, O' Connor had a year as co-host of the show, Countdown, with Carol Vorderman. Thank you for asking me to work on that. Darling Des you will be forever missed. Former glamour model Linda, 60, posted a shot of the group on Instagram, writing: "Great to see Des O'Connor @bradderswalsh @kev_orkian Joe Pascquale @toffee1968 and the gang at Bonnie Lythgoe's 70th Birthday party x.". The episode of Countdown broadcast on 16 November 2020 was dedicated to his memory. O'Connor also had four daughters, Karin, TJ, Samantha and Kristina from his previous marriages. . [17], He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours.[18]. Source: PA. LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Des O'Connor (C) poses with son Adam O'Connor and Robert Lindsay's son Jamie Stevenson at an after party following the press night performance of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" at The Savoy Hotel on April 2, 2014 in London, England. A little more than a week ago O'Connor was taken to hospital after a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire. 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. . at the Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003. They got married in 2007 and together they have a son called Adam. T. his is the first picture of a senior Met officer who told Des O'Connor's daughter she was "amazingly hot" heaping further pressure on . Desmond Bernard O'Connor CBE (12 January 1932 14 November 2020) was an English comedian, singer and television presenter. 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. In 2007, he married long-term girlfriend Jodie Brooke Wilson, who was 37 years his junior and gave birth to their son Adam when O'Connor was 72. Our album Loving Feeling sold well and made the charts and I feel privileged and proud to have worked on it with Des. He was previously pictured at Bonnie Lythgoe's 70th birthday party in August 2019. London-born O'Connor presented his own prime-time TV shows for more than 45 years but also had success as a singer. Sat 21 . As you do we engaged in polite pleasantries. 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Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. Credit: PA "He is survived by his wife Jodie, their son Adam and his four daughters, Karin, TJ . Its worth remembering how brilliant he is at his own expense in these sketches., RIP Des O Connor. Legendary entertainer Des O'Connor died in his sleep on Saturday 14 November 2020, after a glittering career in television spanning six decades. He was born in Stepney, London. Des pictured with wife Jodie and their son, Adam In 2007, he married long-term girlfriend Jodie Brooke Wilson, who was 37 years his junior and gave birth to their son Adam when Des was. Cheerful and kind man. Des. We have a lot of fun together. Des O'Connor has died at the age of 88 - days after the "ultimate entertainer" suffered a fall at his home. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images) Embed PURCHASE A LICENSE USD ADD TO CART . Des and Jodie met 31 years ago in the Thames Television car park when Jodie, a 21-year-old singer songwriter from Australia, was auditioning as an assistant on his ITV game show Take Your Pick.. "He was a joy to work with - he was talented, fun, positive, enthusiastic, kind and a total professional. Lovely, wonderful Des.". His singing ability was often parodied on The Morecambe & Wise Show, with O'Connor taking part in the sketches. Des O'Connor, the beloved entertainer who appeared on British television for decades, has passed away at the age of 88. Entertainer Des O'Connor has died at the age of 88, his agent has confirmed. Credit: robbie jack/Corbis via Getty Images. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. We have estimated Des O'Connor's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. The song was also used as the theme for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. DES O'Connor has died aged 88 peacefully in his sleep days after suffering a fall at his home. Des O'Connor declared he hoped to live to 95 and see his son get married after becoming a dad again at 72. "And if I live as long as my own father - he died at 95 - I should be around to see Adam get married. He had a fabulous international TV career, presenting his own prime-time TV shows for over 45 years. She told BBC News: "I grew up throughout the Des O'Connor years, when he was on the television all the time, on Des O'Connor Tonight and the Morecambe and Wise shows. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Self-deprecating entertainer and the son of an Irish binman, who sold 16 million albums and had a TV career for 60 years. It's worth remembering how brilliant he is at his own expense in these sketches.". We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Wilson, 51, said: Des dealt with it very privately. 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". Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Des enjoyed a brief stint as a professional footballer at Northampton Town FC before working a succession of odd jobs, including as a complaints clerk in a boot and shoe factory. The Irish Post delivers all the latest Irish news to our online audience around the globe. Fittingly he was surprised on stage at the London Palladium, a venue where he performed more than 1,000 times. "He was a very generous performer - he shared the laughs.". 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 . Des O'Connor: From Butlin's to chat show king, Looking back on the career of Des O'Connor. Is climate change killing Australian wine? We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. Adam O'Connor is known for Des O'Connor the Ultimate Entertainer (2020). His long-time agent and family friend Pat Lake-Smith described him as the "ultimate entertainer" and said he had been recovering from the fall before his condition had suddenly deteriorated. Word of his death comes just over a week after O'Connor had suffered a fall at his Buckinghamshire home. Anthony France. Des wed his last wife Jodie Brooke Wilson in 2007 (Image: Press Association) He also achieved four top 10 singles, including the song I Pretend, which reached number one in 1968, and worked with stars including Frank Sinatra, Adam Faith, Liberace, the Beatles, Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, Buddy Holly and Cilla Black. RIP Des., DJ Tony Blackburn tweeted: So sorry to hear that Des OConnor has passed away. He was the full ticket as a friend and colleague.". from 1992 to 1999, and the long-running Channel 4 game show Countdown for two years between 2007 and 2008. Whilst no one should ever feel ashamed of a Parkinsons diagnosis, its also their right not to share it widely. He never forgot his Irish roots but as he took the religion of his mother Maude, he always joked that he was the first Irish OConnor to have a barmitzvah. Due to the success of this show, they toured the country in 2016 from April to October. He was known for hosting his own chat show, as well as Take Your Pick and Countdown - and for his friendship with Morecambe and Wise.
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