Monkhouse later became a game show host, fronting programmes including Family Fortunes, Bob's Full House and Bob Says Opportunity Knocks. Mr Prichard, of International Artists Ltd, said Monkhouse's wife Jackie called him shortly after 5am with the news that he had lost his battle with prostate cancer. Initially, we found half a dozen TV shows that we knew to be missing.". He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy from the British Comedy Awards in 1995. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.Alana Sinclair, New Zealand, Bob Monkhouse was a giant in the entertainment business. Simon, a teacher, had a history of depression. LK 4564. The Independents Giles Smith commented that Monkhouse told me this quite candidly in a 1995 article. Though regarded by some as smarmy, Monkhouse saw a revival in his career during the last 10 years, winning a new generation of fans and the respect of younger comics. Monkhouse said: Am I going to be nice? By the time he was 27 he was a star. Bob Monkhouse: Master of Laughter airs at 9pm tonight on Channel 5. He died peacefully in his sleep after losing his two-and-a-half year battle against cancer, said his manager Peter Prichard. The critics used to pan him as appearing insincere yet very few tried to meet him or get to know him. Friends said she never fully recovered from Monkhouse's death from prostate cancer in 2003. Among them were many treasures which had previously been believed to be lost to the nation. Bob Monkhouse. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Veteran entertainer Bob Monkhouse dies after cancer battle, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off & extra perks with Booking.com Genius Membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 15% off orders over 15 with this eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK February 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this February, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Born in Beckenham, south London, in June 1928, Monkhouse developed his talent for comedy while a pupil at nearby Dulwich College. Monkhouse was said to have been furious by the discovery and stormed out, only to be confronted by Ms Dors. His manager of 38 years, Peter Prichard OBE, said: "Everybody is grieving. An expert on the history of silent cinema and a film collector, Monkhouse presented Mad Movies in 1966. Never short of a joke or quip. [26][27] Money raised went to the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation.[28]. for his slickness and accused of insincerity. Brian Wickings, Worthing, England, I have grown up watching Bob Monkhouse, and he will be sorely missed, he was a legend in his own right and although I may only be 23 myself, my friends and I agree that this comedy genius will be remembered and praised for years to come such as the likes of Bob Hope and Morecambe and Wise. In 1995, he poked fun at his legacy when he told the Independent: What will I leave behind me? Thoughts are with his family and friends.R McBroom, York, Have childhood memories of the Golden Shot on a Sunday afternoon, and more recently took my Mum to a recording of a Bob Monkhouse show at the BBC, you couldn't have wished for a more quick witted, charming host, was really sad to hear of his passing this morning.Jonty, Watford, Bob - A comic genius, will always remember you with great fondness. This was broadcast live for 52 weeks a year and drew up to 17 million viewers. The Golden Shot,Family Fortunes,Opportunity Knocks, Bobs Full House, Celebrity SquaresandWipeout, he also acted and hosted on the radio. Though not a great fan, you always brightened up the TV screen whenever you appeared on it. He went on to front Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes, Bob's Full House, Bob Says Opportunity Knocks and, more recently, the National Lottery Draw. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. He added: "The family requests privacy at this very unhappy time.". A Channel 5 show about Bob Monkhouses life and work airs tonight (Tuesday, December 29). I want to die in the saddle. The comedian, entertainer and game show host was the king of light entertainment on BBC and ITV for many viewers. He passed away at home in Bedfordshire on December 29 2003. The star, who died from prostate cancer aged 75 in 2003, is to appear in a campaign about the disease that killed him.The ad-makers have taken archive footag. He asked me to go up on the stage & presented me with a beautiful basket of flowers and got everyone to sing happy birthday. Mr Prichard said he was "choked" to deliver "the very, very sad news". They don't make them like Bob any more! Contents 1 Early life and career 2 Writing and acting success 3 Stand-up comedy 4 Game shows 5 Chat show Dick Fiddy, the archivist, said: "It's a huge, unwieldy collection which deals with a number of areas. He was the guv'nor," said Mr Prichard. A respected stand-up comedian, Monkhouse was known for his talent at ad-libbing. [citation needed] He came back into fashion during the 1990s, and an appearance on Have I Got News for You helped to restore his popularity.[12]. His TV debut was in the 1950s comedy show Fast And Loose and by 1960 he was host of the British version of Candid Camera. 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. The controversial US oil plan explained, Watch: Moment teenager smashes into lorry during 100mph police chase. Bob was as sharp as any comedian 50 years his junior. Monkhouse continued: The ones who think they're the sharpies from clubland. DON'T MISSBob Monkhouse: The comedy uncle[INTERVIEW]Why comedy fans love a one-liner[ANALYSIS]Cache in the attic: Bob Monkhouse hid 50,000 comedy videos in his loft[NEWS]. This talent was used in Bob Monkhouse On the Spot, a return to pure television comedy, in which audience members suggested topics and Monkhouse came up with a routine. Alan Ball, Runaway Bay, Australia, I have grown up with Bob on my T.V screen, he was the king of game shows because of his razor sharp wit. with the Hudson Brothers and Joan Rivers, a job he hated. [23], Monkhouse was a vocal supporter of the Conservative Party for some years. Brian L. Potter, CAMBRIDGE, England. "Bob was a major entertainment figure for nearly half a century with both the BBC and ITV," he said. A real comedian and personality in the original sense of the word. Bob Monkhouse died from prostate cancer in 2003 after a two-and-a-half-year battle (Image: GETTY) The Independent's Giles Smith commented that Monkhouse "told me this quite candidly" in a 1995. He died peacefully in his sleep with his wife Jackie at his side, said his manager of 38 years, Peter Prichard. The format of the interviews varied between "true" chat and analysis of comedy to scripted routines in which Monkhouse would willingly play the role of the guest's stooge, as he did with Bob Hope.[11]. 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. Mr Prichard described Monkhouse as "one of the finest men I've ever known. Bob signed off: As a comedian, Ive died many deaths. I remember some of his shows vividly, and it's a shame that yet another member of the old school of comedy is now gone. A Bob Monkhouse impersonator is so good fans keep thinking the comedy legend is still alive. His manager, Peter Prichard, said the entertainer died peacefully at his Bedfordshire home on Monday morning. She was his secretary and they married in 1973 after he split from first wife Elizabeth. Other presenting jobs in the 1960s included Candid Camera and Sunday Night at the London Palladium. Bob Monkhouse, the comedian who died yesterday aged 75, became synonymous with television game shows, playing the unctuous host to more than 30 different programmes that, like him . I had seen his show the previous evening and he was brilliant. Rest in Peace you dear sweet man. B ob Monkhouse, the king of television comedy, died today after a long battle against cancer. When Monkhouse appeared in March at the Television and Radio Industries Club awards in London, where he received an award for his contribution to the entertainment world, the comedian wise-cracked: "I discovered about two years ago that visits to the loo were less and less profitable. . He also acted in the Carry On films. The hero pulls down his trousers and lies down. Read our, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}. Born in 1928, the young Monkhouse spent his spare time at home in Beckenham writing gags and drawing cartoons. In his later years, Monkhouse was probably better known for hosting television quiz shows than for being a comedian. He was 75. Monkhouse, a self-professed cinephile, had a projection booth and an eight-foot-wide screen that descended from the ceiling. I had the chance to see him in concert in the early '90s and it was only then that I realised exactly how funny this man was. And one of the women goes, `Ooh, un champignon nouveau [meaning] a new mushroom'. In 1993 Monkhouse was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to entertainment. [7] His widow, Jacqueline, suffered a heart attack and died in Barbados on 28 March 2008.[24]. Thank you for your tributes to Bob Monkhouse. Monkhouse also appeared in 12 films including Carry On Sergeant. Read a selection of your e-mails below. Every word he spoke was so close to truth and honesty and was glossed with his unique style of wit and humour. I know no one else like him and will probably never find another. His two sons both died in tragic circumstances, Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. From Tracy and Paul.Tracy & Paul Coke, Shoeburyness, Essex, Growing up with Bob Monkhouse on television, this has came as a massive shock to me. The widow of comedian Bob Monkhouse has died suddenly, it has emerged. He will be greatly missed.Dave Shaw, Leamington Spa, "Improv" comedy was presented as something new a decade ago, but Bob was a faster thinker than anyone for as long as anyone can remember. Will be sadly missed as a friend. In 1979 he starred in US sketch comedy television series Bonkers! This wasnt the only difficulty to beset the comedian. I've admired and taken a keen interest in him since. Bob was given an OBE for services to entertainment in 1993. Last year Monkhouse was back on stage for the Royal Variety Performance where he got the biggest cheer of the night. In the 1980's it was "uncool" to like Bob Monkhouse because of the Alternative Comics appearing on the circuit. "I want to die in the saddle. A great comedian and a superb 'ad-libber'. Today is the 17th anniversary of Bob Monkhouses death. The former Family Fortune host died at his home in the village of Eggington, near Leighton Buzzard. Basically my prostate exploded like a firework and distributed the Taliban throughout my system. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. Monkhouse died in 2003 of prostate cancer. 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. And what other career highlights should you keep an eye out for on the programme? !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. If still alive today, Bob would now be 92! He was also such a great stand up comedian in all my 40 years of life never did I here Bob repeat a gag. He got them back a year later. . Our thoughts are particularly with his wife Jackie and daughter Abigail at this very sad time. It's not just film and TV. Shine on. Bob Monkhouse, born June 1 1928, died December 29 2003, Supremely accomplished stand-up comic and game show host, whose self-assured manner on screen masked a personal life dogged by loss and disappointment, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Mr Prichard said he was "choked" to deliver "the very, very sad news". The star died on 29 December aged 75, at his home in Eggington, near Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, after fighting bone and prostate cancer for more than two years. His manager, Peter Prichard, said the entertainer died peacefully at his. His two sons both died in tragic circumstances - Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. Monkhouse was the class clown at Dulwich College. Monkhouse had an elder brother, John, who was born in 1922. This I have treasured for 45 years. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. I want to die in the saddle. The former Family Fortune host died at his home in the village of Eggington, near Leighton Buzzard, during the night, he said. Amongst shows rediscovered were many featuring Monkhouse himself, including The Flip Side, a 1966 play in which he starred as a television DJ with his own late-night show, and the 195758 series of his comedy My Pal Bob, including an episode in which he is suspected of an extramarital affair. Monkhouse leaves a daughter, Abigail. Bob Monkhouse's Comedy Heroes: Directed by Willy Smax. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. "I saw a specialist who asked me 'Are you familiar with the phrase faecal impaction?' 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In 1956, Monkhouse was the host of Do You Trust Your Wife?, the British version of an American game show. Monkhouse also appeared in 12 films including Carry On Sergeant. He made several guest appearances on television shows before he and his comedy partner Denis Goodwin launched their own television series, Fast and Loose, in I have wonderful childhood memories of watching Bob's shows with my family. 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. Entdecke Bob Monkhouse Bulmers zum Selbermachen Comedians Kit Vinyl EP Single 33 13 1/min - Werbeaktion in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! Theyre not laughing now.. He was not only a brilliant mind, but the warmest and most genuine of friends. Monkhouse was married twice, firstly to Elizabeth Thompson on 5 November 1949. The ad showed him in a graveyard, purportedly next to his grave, making pointed jokes about the illness. [11] He returned in 1974 after subsequent presenters and comedians Norman Vaughan and Charlie Williams were found wanting.[11]. I wouldn't know what to do if I retired anyway.". UK Edition Asia Edition Edicin en Espaol. Monkhouse's TV shows included The Golden Shot - which at its peak had 16 million viewers - Opportunity Knocks and Bob's Full House. Although I have been away from the UK for some years, thinking about Bob Monkhouse always helped me to connect to the old country and its unique humour. Robert Alan "Bob" Monkhouse, OBE (1st June 1928 - 29th December 2003) was an English entertainer and comedian. Aside from performing as a double act, Monkhouse and Goodwin wrote for comedians such as Arthur Askey, Jimmy Edwards, Ted Ray and Max Miller. It's a little one-reeler, French, and made, I should think, sometime in the Twenties.. 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. A genuinely funny man has left us.Paul Curran, Lowestoft, A true gentleman, a true comedian, a true workaholic and now a legend. One of the nicest people in this business, always found time to stop for a chat. On Monkhouse's death, the books were bequeathed to Colin Edmonds. He always made you laugh and was such a professional. Bob - you shall be sorely missed as an asset to the craft. He went on to front Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes, Bob's Full House, Bob Says Opportunity Knocks and, more recently, the National Lottery Draw. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, King Charles hosts von der Leyen at Windsor Castle, Huge urgent police search for missing baby of Constance Marten, Shocking video shows machete fight in broad daylight, Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Putin spy plane before being 'destroyed by pro-Ukraine Belarus group', Amplified jet stream could lead to 'disruptive snow in places', Pupils take to TikTok as they stage protest at Shenfield High School, Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, Moment supermarket cashier is attacked at work in New York, Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby, Police: Constance Marten's baby may have come to serious harm. You will be sadly missed by the British public. He died peacefully in his sleep after losing his two-and-a-half year battle against. Veteran British comedian and television host Bob Monkhouse has died at his Bedfordshire home aged 75. [4][5] In a 2015 documentary, it was revealed that Monkhouse and his older brother suffered from physical and verbal abuse by their mother. By the time he left Dulwich College at 17 he had a thriving cottage industry as a gagwriter, cartoonist and purveyor of pulp fiction. Monkhouse's grandfather John Monkhouse (18621938) was a prosperous Methodist businessman who co-founded Monk and Glass, which made custard powder and jelly. Jump to content. Decca Record Company Limited, 1963. It was my ambition to appear on Wipeout and meet him in person, sadly this can now never be. The veteran comedian, whose showbusiness career spanned more than half a century, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2001. [16] The archive consisted of 36,000 videotapes, going back to when Monkhouse first bought a home video recorder in 1966. 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