Monkhouse was criticised for sycophancy towards his guests but said that they were all heroes of his and that was how he really felt about them. Veteran British comedian and television host Bob Monkhouse died today at his Bedfordshire home, his manager said. In his later years, Monkhouse was probably better known for hosting television quiz shows than for being a comedian. Among them were many treasures which had previously been believed to be lost to the nation. What are some of his most memorable career moments? I know no one else like him and will probably never find another. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Express. In a poll of fellow comedians and comedy insiders to find the Comedians' Comedian in 2005, Monkhouse was voted among the best 50 comedy acts. Bob Monkhouse was one of the most treasured personalities on British TV for decades. The critics used to pan him as appearing insincere yet very few tried to meet him or get to know him. A respected stand-up comedian, Monkhouse was known for his talent at ad-libbing. . A great comedian and a superb 'ad-libber'. This wasnt the only difficulty to beset the comedian. Powerful Commons committee could look at case for banning stoves in towns and Love Island hit by hundreds of Ofcom complaints from furious viewers over 'toxic femininity' row and Movie Carrie Johnson joins campaign for Joanna Simpson's killer BA pilot husband who bludgeoned her to death with Do not sell or share my personal information. [7] He established a comics writing and art partnership with Dulwich schoolmate Denis Gifford and the two formed their own publishing company, Streamline, in the early 1950s. Sergeant Bob Monkhouse died on a patrol that was providing security to enable new roads and security bases to be constructed to the north east of Gereshk. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. View Source Share Save to Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers He was a comedy writer, comedian and actor an. His book 'Just say a few words' has been a very useful tool on many occasions. [4] His public profile growing, Monkhouse also began appearing in comedy films, including the first of the Carry On film series, Carry On Sergeant, in 1958. His film archive began in the late 1950s. The former Family Fortunes host died in his sleep in the early hours at home in the village of Eggington, Bedfordshire, where he lived with his second wife Jackie. His two sons both died in tragic circumstances, Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. The controversial US oil plan explained, Watch: Moment teenager smashes into lorry during 100mph police chase. Decca Record Company Limited, 1963. US Edition Change. Monkhouse, an acknowledged expert on the early cinema, lived in a 16th century farmhouse. A day is wasted for me if I haven't done something even mildly creative.". Monkhouse died in 2003 of prostate cancer. Shine on. He died peacefully in his sleep after losing his two-and-a-half year battle against cancer, said his manager Peter Prichard. Bob - you shall be sorely missed as an asset to the craft. I want to die in the saddle. Suddenly I was in fashion again and reaching new people. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family.Ian Peter, Southport, England, A Great Man After a difficult life with the death of both of his sons, his own demise is a terrible loss and commiserations should be extended to his family. Audiences regularly topped 15 million. Other presenting jobs in the 1960s included Candid Camera and Sunday Night at the London Palladium. Sign up for exclusive newsletters, comment on stories, enter competitions and attend events. Initially, we found half a dozen TV shows that we knew to be missing.". ", After vowing not to let illness halt his career, he said last year: "I've responded to treatment incredibly well. The comic also suffered a setback in his fight against illhealth when he broke a collarbone in a fall in October. His posthumous appearance involved computer animation and a voiceover from another actor. Monkhouse then returned to quizzes, taking over hosting duties on Wipeout from Paul Daniels when its studio recordings moved from London to Manchester and the show moved from primetime to daytime. To his presentation and the obvious love he had for the genre. Soon after, the then-24-year-old comedian realised that there was a false mirror on the ceiling and that other party guests were watching behind it. [23], Monkhouse was a vocal supporter of the Conservative Party for some years. The advertisement was made with the support of Monkhouse's estate and supported by poster campaigns, including award-winning panels displayed in London Underground trains. Mr Prichard said Monkhouse was still working six weeks before his death, despite being in a great deal of pain. Bob Monkhouse dies King of Comedy loses battle with cancer (December 2003) This site closed in March 2021 and is now a read-only archive Previous . Now I know how brave Bob Monkhouse was. Mr Prichard described Monkhouse as "one of the finest men I've ever known". Part of my childhood has gone and I am very sad.Trev Edwards, Preston, Lancashire, For me, this was the saddest loss of the year. By the time he was 27 he was a star. He was the host of television game shows including The Golden Shot, Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes and Wipeout . He had an encyclopaedic capacity for recalling gags and one liners and could play to many different audiences. Monkhouse said: Am I going to be nice? Mr Prichard, who was Monkhouse's manager for 38 years, said: "Sadly, I have to announce the death of Bob Monkhouse OBE. He went on to front Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes, Bob's Full House, Bob Says Opportunity Knocks and, more recently, the National Lottery Draw. Monkhouse, who lives in a Tudor farmhouse in Bedfordshire, has also suffered encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. His second marriage, to Jacqueline Harding, lasted until his death. When Bob Monkhouse's widow died and his house was being prepared for market, the amazing extent of his private collection of video and audio recordings was realized. [11] He returned in 1974 after subsequent presenters and comedians Norman Vaughan and Charlie Williams were found wanting.[11]. A Great Legacy The entire Monkhouse film and television archive is now held by Kaleidoscope, including all the material previously held by the National Film and Television Archive (NFTVA). 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. Always charming and self effacing, he never had a bad word to say about any of his colleagues and, unlike some, never ridiculed his public. He was a great entertainer. Read our, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}. He recalled: Two quite attractive women in Marie Antoinette-type outfits are coming through a field. The show featured clips from comic silent films, many from his own private collection, some of which he had helped to recover and restore. In 1995, he poked fun at his legacy when he told the Independent: What will I leave behind me? Speaking of his own sense of loss, Mr Prichard said: "I knew it was coming, but when you get the news you realise we have lost one of the greatest comics that England has ever produced.". Though not a great fan, you always brightened up the TV screen whenever you appeared on it. "I'm superficial. This was broadcast live for 52 weeks a year and drew up to 17 million viewers. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. On 12 June 2007, Monkhouse posthumously appeared on British TV in an advertisement promoting awareness of prostate cancer for Male Cancer Awareness Week. The opening to each show would see him deliver several minutes of topical jokes and on one occasion, where his autocue failed, he improvised a new and topical routine. One of the brightest lights just went out on the Christmas tree," he said. He spent 50 years in television, hosting TV game shows such as Family Fortunes and appearing in 12 films. Read more: Gemma Arterton in Black Narcissus: Bond girls raunchiest roles as nun drama gets sexy. Mr Prichard, who was Monkhouse's manager for 38 years, said: "Sadly, I have to announce the death of Bob Monkhouse OBE. The veteran star recalled the strained relationship he had with his son Simon, 46 - who died . He was 75. Bob Monkhouse: Master of Laughter airs at 9pm tonight on Channel 5. Bob signed off: As a comedian, Ive died many deaths. By Neil Wilkes. We've lost one of the greatest comics England has ever produced.". I've admired and taken a keen interest in him since. Craig, Czech Republic (formerly UK), I'm shocked to hear of Bob's death. You were one of the best.Haydn Jones, Prestatyn, Denbighshire. He learned Yiddish to get Jewish function bookings and joined all three political parties to get their bookings. [16] The archive consisted of 36,000 videotapes, going back to when Monkhouse first bought a home video recorder in 1966. UK Edition Asia Edition Edicin en Espaol. When do the clocks change in 2023? !Martin, Hebburn, Tyne & Wear, Thanks Bob for having entertained us with your clean sense of humour and sharp wit you will be sadly missed.Baber, London, England, A true professional and a charming man whose humour managed to connect generations. His true character came out not on the game shows but when on the stage - watch these performances for a taste or real comedy.David, Ashton, England, Thanks for the memory Bob, you will be missed!Jim Poole, Gt Yarmouth. Monkhouse died aged 75 after being one of Britain's top comedians for more than four decades. Monkhouse, a self-professed cinephile, had a projection booth and an eight-foot-wide screen that descended from the ceiling. "He was respected by all the other comedians because he was dedicated to his craft - he never stopped making people laugh," Mr Prichard said. He explained that he found it difficult to know how to react to their jibes without seeming pompous because he had been around for so long. The show lasted three series and showcased comedians of many generations. Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story. Died December 29, 2003 (75) Add to list Awards 2 wins Photos Known for Dentist in the Chair 5.0 Writer 1960 Carry on Sergeant 6.3 Charlie Sage 1958 The Big Noise TV Series Writer 1964 6 eps Dentist on the Job 5.2 Writer 1961 Credits Edit Writer27 Actor32 Music Department1 Additional Crew1 Self135 There are many incredible finds, and the event [is] an exciting time for all concerned.". The ad, made with the blessing of his widow, blends footage of Monkhouse with that of a body double then adds CGI manipulation of his face to match what is being spoken by a sound-alike. [7], Monkhouse completed his National service with the Royal Air Force in 1948. Browse Bob Monkhouse movies and TV shows available on Prime Video and begin streaming right away to . Monkhouse leaves a daughter, Abigail. A Great Entertainer B ob Monkhouse, the king of television comedy, died today after a long battle against cancer. His death has come to a very big shock to me and I will miss him very much. Mr Prichard said he was "choked" to deliver "the very, very sad news". Moment fitness influencer asks man to move off park bench 'because he's 'ruining her livestream' - but Mortgage demand plummets to a 28-year low as average interest rates hit 6.71% - just as spring home buying Britain braces for brutal -9C Arctic snap: Met Office warns more snow and ice could lash the country next ISIS fanatic jailed over the gruesome beheading of two Scandinavian women hikers in Morocco that shocked the Shamima Begum and other British women who joined Islamic State and are being held in Syria will 'ultimately' Is YOUR wood burner at risk? [17], In 1995 the British Comedy Awards gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy, and eight years later, a few weeks before he died, the Television and Radio Industries Club awarded him a Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting. He always had so many original one line jokes! With Julia Sawalha, Lucille Ball, Michael Barrymore, Jackie Clune. On one occasion the guest was the comedian Pamela Stephenson, who, after prior arrangement with the show's producer, appeared in a series of fake plaster casts, apparently the result of accidents whilst at home. Born in Beckenham, Kent, in June 1928, Monkhouse started out as a comedy writer and rose to become one of the country's top comics with a highly polished on-screen persona that people seemed to either love or hate. Detectives hunting for Constance Martens baby find remains of infant, London Ambulance Service told to improve its ethnic diversity, Third of London pupils miss first pick of school, Shocking moment moped narrowly misses 70mph train at level crossing, Armed police swoop on Hackney Central station after man knifed, Harry and Meghan lose Frogmore Cottage after memoir controversy, What is the Willow Project? Mike Hayes, Portsmouth, An inspiration to all comics. It was my ambition to appear on Wipeout and meet him in person, sadly this can now never be. I said I think I saw that one with Glenn Close and Michael Douglas. She then presented a rocket launcher which she promptly 'fired', destroying a camera. [4][10] In addition, they were gag writers for American comedians including Bob Hope, supplying jokes for British tours. Mr Prichard, who was Monkhouse's manager for 38 years, said: "Sadly, I . One of his biggest successes was The Golden Shot from July 1967 until January 1972 and again from July 1974 to April 1975. Chris Hankins, Pontypool, Gwent, S. Wales, What a sad loss. He was such a great comedian and was one of my all time favourites. And she goes to pluck the mushroom and continues plucking it for about five minutes.". The veteran comedian, whose showbusiness career spanned more than half a century, was. Basically my prostate exploded like a firework and distributed the Taliban throughout my system. In Jimmy Carrs 2006 book The Naked Jape, he cited some of Monkhouses jokes. Bob Monkhouse, one of the most enduring figures of British comedy, died at his home in Bedfordshire yesterday aged 75. The former Family Fortune host died at his home in the village of Eggington, near Leighton Buzzard, during the night, he said. Famed for his quick wit and ready oneliners, Monkhouse became one of Britain's highest-paid TV stars, and was awarded the OBE in 1993 for his services to showbusiness. Simon fell out with his father and died of a heroin overdose in a Thai guest house in 2001. First and foremost, however, Bobs career hinged on his comedic excellence. RIP sir.Tony Wallace, Nottingham, As a professional musician, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Bob on several occasions. What's it worth to you?" Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Bob Monkhouse. He added: "The family requests privacy at this very unhappy time.". British comedian Bob Monkhouse, who wrote jokes for Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra in a 50-year showbusiness career, died on Monday aged 75, his manager said. [8], Before establishing himself as a successful writer and comedian, Monkhouse appeared on stage in London, first as Aladdin in a stage show of the same name written by S. J. Perelman and Cole Porter and then in the first London production of the musical The Boys from Syracuse (Antipholus of Syracuse) in 1963 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, alongside Ronnie Corbett. He won a contract with the BBC after his unwitting RAF group captain signed a letter that Monkhouse had written telling the BBC he was a war hero and that the corporation should give him an audition. Monkhouse leaves a daughter, Abigail. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. If still alive today, Bob would now be 92! for his slickness and accused of insincerity. And one of the women goes, `Ooh, un champignon nouveau [meaning] a new mushroom'. David Ismay, a friend of Monkhouse, said the family would not be releasing any details about Friday's service. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. LK 4564. "We've lost one of the greatest comics England has ever produced," he said. Craig Warner, Hayden, Idaho, USA, I grew up in the 80s with Bob constantly on the TV. [7] His widow, Jacqueline, suffered a heart attack and died in Barbados on 28 March 2008.[24]. I'd have paid good money to stay out of here. He only got back on terms with his mother after 20 years, shortly before she died. [11], Monkhouse was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2001, and he died from this illness at his home on 29 December 2003. Brian L. Potter, CAMBRIDGE, England. The golden shots Anne Aston, The man with a million jokes: Bob Monkhouse's legacy examined, Cache in the attic: Bob Monkhouse hid 50,000 comedy videos in his loft, True comedy gold: No one does humour quite like the British, Peter Prichard. The TV career of one of Britain's bestloved entertainers began in 1947, when he appeared with comic partner Denis Goodwin. Today is the 17th anniversary of Bob Monkhouses death. The gun, launcher and camera were props. His parents hoped he would join the family's custard business, but Bob and his friend Denis Goodwin had other plans. He died peacefully in his sleep with his wife Jackie at his side, said his manager of 38 years, Peter Prichard. Photograph: Andy Butterton/PA. On Monkhouse's death, the books were bequeathed to Colin Edmonds. He first appeared on This Is Your Life in 1982 and received a second appearance on the show on 23April 2003, just months before his death. 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