He worked with many l e g e n d a r y names in sh owb u s i --ness, including-Tommy Cooper, Benny Hill and Frankie Howerd. Veteran British comedian and television host Bob Monkhouse died today at his Bedfordshire home, his manager said. This is sad news for British comedy, but I expect Heaven will be a hoot now! His two sons both died in tragic circumstances - Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. [23], Monkhouse was a vocal supporter of the Conservative Party for some years. Veteran British comedian and television host Bob Monkhouse died today at his Bedfordshire home, his manager said. By the time he was 27 he was a star. London Cast Recording. US Edition Change. Police went into his home after he had been wrongly accused of breaching copyright laws and later the case was dismissed. 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 show also included a rare public appearance from Monkhouse's friend Mike Yarwood. One of British TV's most popular performers with a career that spanned over four decades, funny-man Bob . He was 75. He went on to front Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes, Bob's Full House, Bob Says Opportunity Knocks and, more recently, the National Lottery Draw. He will always be near the top of my fave comedians and famous people list. Prostate cancer, I dont recommend. A Bob Monkhouse impersonator is so good fans keep thinking the comedy legend is still alive. I had seen his show the previous evening and he was brilliant. The next day I saw him sunbathing on Hayling Island beach alongside his enormous Pontiac car. He ended by saying, "As a comedian, I've died many deaths. In a piece written several years after Monkhouse's death, critic and satirist Michael Deacon suggested that although Monkhouse had feared that his legacy as a comedian would be limited, as many people knew him only from his decades of work as a game-show host, his style of writing and performing could be seen as influencing many contemporary British comedians, such as Jimmy Carr (whose book on comedy The Naked Jape quoted several Monkhouse jokes), Michael McIntyre, Peter Kay, John Bishop, Lee Mack and Tim Vine.[18]. After being a stalwart of chat shows, in the mid-1980s Monkhouse presented his own for the BBC, The Bob Monkhouse Show. Mr Prichard described Monkhouse as "one of the finest men I've ever known". "People who hadn't noticed me or who had written me off as a gameshow host started to reassess me. Healthy mother-of-two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class. I saw him live a few years ago and whilst a little 'blue' I couldn't stop laughing at his jokes. His other son, Simon, a stand-up poet, from whom he had been estranged for 13 years, died aged 46 from a heroin overdose in a hotel in northern Thailand in April 2001.[4][20]. I never got to work with him, but I did meet him once, and immediately, I could see why people who HAD worked with him called . Robert Alan Monkhouse OBE (1 June 1928 - 29 December 2003) was an English comedian, writer and actor. His eldest son, Gary Alan, who had cerebral palsy, lived at Naish farm house, a residential home for the disabled in Christchurch Road, New Milton, Hampshire. He was such a great comedian and was one of my all time favourites. [7] His widow, Jacqueline, suffered a heart attack and died in Barbados on 28 March 2008.[24]. Read more: Gemma Arterton in Black Narcissus: Bond girls raunchiest roles as nun drama gets sexy. He was so jovial & kind to me. Thanks for all the laughs, Bob xAngela Taylor, England, TV & the world of comedy will never be the same again.John Emley, Prestwick, Scotland, Usually when someone famous dies there is a dramatic outpouring of grief for someone most of us never knew - well in this case, I am truly saddened because Bob Monkhouse was a man who never failed to make me laugh - he was 'saucy' without being crude and he always put a smile on my face.Nichola, Dundee, There aren't many comedians that I went out of my way to watch and follow but Bob was the exception. Though not a great fan, you always brightened up the TV screen whenever you appeared on it. Bob Monkhouse passed away due to prostrate cancer. He then moved to ITV to front two more game shows, Bob's Your Uncle and The $64,000 Question, neither of which was a popular success. Photograph: Andy Butterton/PA. He later told his friend Colin Edmonds that this may have been a mistake, but that he wanted to be associated with a winner and he knew Margaret Thatcher could not lose the 1987 general election. 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 s u f f e r e d deeply after the death of his son, Simon, from a heroin overdose in a 1-a-night Thai guesthouse in 2001. Monkhouse was married twice, firstly to Elizabeth Thompson on 5 November 1949. 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. Bob Monkhouse Supremely accomplished stand-up comic and game show host, whose self-assured manner on screen masked a personal life dogged by loss and disappointment Dennis Barker Mon 29 Dec 2003. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. [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. He was 75. "He was respected by all the other comedians because he was dedicated to his craft - he never stopped making people laugh," Mr Prichard said. Mr Prichard said Monkhouse was still working six weeks before his death, despite being in a great deal of pain. Thanks for the memories Bob, your wit and devilment was a wonderful gift you shared with all. Jump to content. First and foremost, however, Bobs career hinged on his comedic excellence. Read a selection of your e-mails below. He is an example to us all.John Bartram, Margate, Sad news - especially at this time of year. Monkhouse died of prostate cancer in 2003. In March, he received a five-minute standing ovation from fellow entertainers at an awards show and BBC1 screened a special on his 56-year TV career in October. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. 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. 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. "I saw a specialist who asked me 'Are you familiar with the phrase faecal impaction?' Mr Monkhouse had a long and successful career in showbusiness and had hosted hundreds of television shows. She then presented a rocket launcher which she promptly 'fired', destroying a camera. Bob died peacefully in his sleep at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.". A Man Already Greatly Missed. This I have treasured for 45 years. It involved an implant in his stomach and a daily pill which allowed him to keep on working. My recovery has been dramatic and I'm ready to go back to work.". I've admired and taken a keen interest in him since. Today is the 17th anniversary of Bob Monkhouses death. Audiences regularly topped 15 million. I first caught sight of him in the morning as I was entering the hotel to book in with my party. The widow of comedian Bob Monkhouse has died suddenly, it has emerged. 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. Monkhouse was born on 1 June 1928[1] at 168 Bromley Road, Beckenham, Kent, the son of chartered accountant Wilfred Adrian Monkhouse (18941957)[2][3] and Dorothy Muriel Monkhouse (ne Hansard, 18951971). An expert on the history of silent cinema and a film collector, Monkhouse presented Mad Movies in 1966. Having lent Terry Wogan's son a film, Monkhouse was charged with attempting to defraud film distributors of royalties, but after two years the judge decided that there was no case to answer. [14] Among the audience were a number of British comedians who had been personally invited by Monkhouse, including Reece Shearsmith, Jon Culshaw, David Walliams, Fiona Allen and Mark Steel. In his later years, Monkhouse was probably better known for hosting television quiz shows than for being a comedian. 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. His parents hoped he would join the family's custard business, but Bob and his friend Denis Goodwin had other plans. The funeral of the comedian Bob Monkhouse has been held at Amersham Crematorium in Buckinghamshire. Among other writing, Monkhouse wrote more than 100 Harlem Hotspots erotic novelettes. Mike Hayes, Portsmouth, An inspiration to all comics. It's not just film and TV. Brian L. Potter, CAMBRIDGE, England. 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.". Last May he was deeply affected by the death of his son Simon from a. 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. 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 . He recalled: Two quite attractive women in Marie Antoinette-type outfits are coming through a field. Showbusiness agent. His death has come to a very big shock to me and I will miss him very much. This film collection was the cause of a court case at the Old Bailey in 1979. Monkhouse considered himself lucky when he reflected on his near-five decades in show business. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.Tony, Montevettolini, Tuscany, Italy, Images from the veteran comic's lengthy career. 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. His two sons both died in tragic circumstances, Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. A genuinely funny man has left us.Paul Curran, Lowestoft, A true gentleman, a true comedian, a true workaholic and now a legend. Despite his on-screen success, his life was dogged by personal tragedy. He will never be forgotten.Luke Cumiskey, La Paz, Bolivia, In my early days of watching TV, I always thought of Bob Monkhouse as being a product of my parents' generation, harking back to the Musical Hall and old style cabaret days. Mr Prichard said he was "choked" to deliver "the very, very sad news". 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 comedian, entertainer and game show host was the king of light entertainment on BBC and ITV for many viewers. My best wishes to his wife and family.Chris Curry, Newport, South Wales, From the pasty young dentist alongside Leslie Phillips (in black & white) to the man with the tan and the wry grin with some 'News for You', Bob will be missed not only for his consummate professionalism, but more perhaps for his generosity in both giving of money, for which he was well known, and of his own time and effort, which went generally unsung. A sad loss.Robert Nisbet, Los Angeles, USA, A legend of a man, who will be sorely missed.Stuart, Norwich, Bob Monkhouse - despite his detractors in the more 'avant-garde' comedy streams should be remembered as someone who in his self-deprecating perma-tan way was always able to make an audience laugh. My thoughts are with his widow and daughter. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Other presenting jobs in the 1960s included Candid Camera and Sunday Night at the London Palladium. "[22], Throughout his career Monkhouse had jotted down jokes, odd facts, one-liners, sketches and ideas in a series of leather-bound books, which he took with him to every television, radio, stage and nightclub appearance he made. I guess what really sums up Bob for me was that despite some of the crude and crass humour that exists on today's television, Bob never sunk to that level to get a laugh, he was the consummate professional, and was a "Family" entertainer which in today's world of comedy is a rare treasure. 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. God bless you Bob and thanks for the memories. Yet, in 2007, he made a "comeback", appearing in a new TV campaign advertising a prostate cancer charity. Monkhouse, an acknowledged expert on the early cinema, lived in a 16th century farmhouse. Bob Monkhouse. From 1996 to 1998, Monkhouse presented The National Lottery Live show on Saturday evenings on BBC1, for which he created the catchphrase: "I know I'm a sinner, but make me a winner!" Chris Perry, of Kaleidoscope and Kaleidoscope Publishing, said: "We are painstakingly transferring the important contents of the video tapes and restoring radio shows. One of the brightest lights just went out on the Christmas tree," 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. 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. My best wishes go to his family & friends.Stephen, St Erth, Cornwall, One word.LEGEND!! I will miss him so much and feel very deeply for his family as I have just lost my mother to cancer. Born in 1928, the young Monkhouse spent his spare time at home in Beckenham writing gags and drawing cartoons. 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. It was my ambition to appear on Wipeout and meet him in person, sadly this can now never be. He was 75. 29/12/2003 One of the country's best-loved comedians, Bob Monkhouse, has died today after a two-year battle with cancer. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. I'd have paid good money to stay out of here. The veteran comedian, whose showbusiness career spanned more than half a century, was. Monkhouse, who died from prostate cancer in 2003, also hosted many popular game shows including Family Fortunes, Celebrity Squares, The Golden Shot and others. Monkhouse was said to have been furious by the discovery and stormed out, only to be confronted by Ms Dors. Bob was the greatest comic/entertainer/game show host this country has ever seen. He even managed to joke about his disease, saying last year: "I call it the Taliban because it's the enemy within. Our thoughts are particularly with his wife Jackie and daughter Abigail at this very sad time. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Veteran comedian Bob Monkhouse told of the devastating effect the death of his youngest son had on him. He went on to host more than 30 quiz shows on British television. I want to die in the saddle. And she goes to pluck the mushroom and continues plucking it for about five minutes.". JUST IN:The man with a million jokes: Bob Monkhouse's legacy examined. 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. When his joke books containing his gag collection were stolen in 1995 it was headline news, with huge interest in the public appeal and a 10,000 reward offered for their return. [15], In 2008, the British Film Institute was contacted by Monkhouse's daughter, Abigail, who asked if they would like to view the collection and provide some advice as to the best way of preserving it. Monkhouse was working until six weeks ago, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites, Images from the veteran comic's lengthy career, Bob Monkhouse on Museum of Broadcast Communications, Bob Monkhouse interviewed by Off The Telly.co.uk - May 2003. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. He died peacefully in his sleep after losing his two-and-a-half year battle against. In his autobiography, he admitted to hundreds of sexual liaisons and affairs, but claimed that he only undertook this course of action because his first wife was unfaithful. He would arrive at any function or cabaret with specially written, individual material for every occasion," said fellow entertainer Des O'Connor. His film archive began in the late 1950s. The former Family Fortune host died at his home in the village of Eggington, near Leighton Buzzard. 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. But Monkhouse was probably best known as a host of popular TV game shows including Celebrity Squares and Family Fortunes. !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. Later Monkhouse and Ms Dors had an affair, which sparked fury after it was discovered by her husband Dennis Hamilton. he was 20, which caused a rift with his parents. He passed away at home in Bedfordshire on December 29 2003. 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. The controversial US oil plan explained, Watch: Moment teenager smashes into lorry during 100mph police chase. 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. He was also such a great stand up comedian in all my 40 years of life never did I here Bob repeat a gag. A le g endary drinke r Monkhouse would consume two bottles of wine and half a bottle of whisky a day, including "a large one" before going on stage. READ MORE: America's Got Talent star Scott Alexander dies after suffering sudden stroke. 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. Bob was given an OBE for services to entertainment in 1993. I have wonderful childhood memories of watching Bob's shows with my family. 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. Sign up for exclusive newsletters, comment on stories, enter competitions and attend events. 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. Monkhouse leaves a daughter, Abigail. Monkhouse was reported to have let out one of his staccato laughs as he explained the scene. On 12 June 2007, Monkhouse posthumously appeared on British TV in an advertisement promoting awareness of prostate cancer for Male Cancer Awareness Week. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The British entertainment world is mourning comedian Bob Monkhouse, who has died aged 75. 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. Bob Monkhouse passed away due to prostrate cancer. It has been wonderful to hear the present day comics speak admiringly of this man. Wonderful gift you shared with all century farmhouse money to stay out of here collector, Monkhouse more! 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