Bruce Forsyth obit

Sir Bruce Forsyth: TV legend dies aged 89

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Sir Bruce Forsyth, the veteran entertainer and presenter of many successful TV shows, has died aged 89.

The former Strictly Come Dancing host had been unwell for some time and was in hospital earlier this year after a severe chest infection.

His long career in showbusiness began when he was aged just 14.

He became Britain's best-paid TV star, famous for hosting game shows like The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price is Right.


He also presented BBC One's Strictly with Tess Daly from 2004 to 2014.


A statement from his manager Ian Wilson said he died "peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children".

"A couple of weeks ago, a friend visited him and asked him what he had been doing these last 18 months. With a twinkle in his eye, he responded, 'I've been very, very busy... being ill!'" he added.

Sir Bruce's family thanked "the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness", adding there would be no further comment at the moment.



Tributes have been paid by his friends and admirers in the showbusiness world. Sir Bruce's Strictly co-host Tess Daly said she was "heartbroken".

"From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing and I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved," she said.



Former Strictly judge Len Goodman also paid tribute, saying: "As long as I can remember there has always been Bruce on our TV.

"His work ethic, professionalism and charm will be with me forever. Bruce it was nice to see you to see you nice."

Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman, who replaced Sir Bruce after he left the show, tweeted that he was "the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people... all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love....

"The Bruce you saw really was the man he was. We'll miss him so much."

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood added: "Extremely sad to hear the news of Bruce's passing. A true legend and national treasure. He will be deeply missed but always remembered."

Former judge Arlene Phillips said the entertainer was an "indestructible titan, tap dancing his way through life".

She added: "Working with him on Strictly was personally a joy. His endless teasing of my judging style, particularly with strong sportsmen, was an ongoing joke.

"His enormous support after I was let go from the Strictly panel meant so much."


In a tweet, Prime Minister Theresa May said the country had "lost a national treasure", adding: "Like millions of others, for years I watched Sir Bruce dance, sing, joke & laugh. He will be sorely missed."

BBC director general Lord Hall described Sir Bruce as "one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known".

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck added: "He could do it all. He was magnificent and he was a great entertainer. He could dance, he was a very nice pianist, he was good at sketches, he was the greatest moaner in the world on the golf course, and he was a unique friend to me."



Former chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson described the entertainer as "funny" and "irrepressible".

Sir Michael also praised Sir Bruce's ability to manage his career, saying: "He was very canny - we only know about the shows he said yes to, what we don't know are the hundreds of ideas he said, 'That's not for me.' He had the smartness - that's the sign of a great star."

BBC Radio 4 presenter Nicholas Parsons added that he was "devoted" to Sir Bruce.

"He had great charm, great humour - he was an all-round performer. He was one of the country's most talented players - a great dancer, great singer and a comedian and also very good actor. The way he ran a game show was exceptional - a unique talent. He was a lovely man."

The Beano tweeted a picture of Sir Bruce which appeared in the comic in 2008, describing him as an "entertainment legend".


In 2012, Guinness World Records recognised Forsyth as having the longest television career for a male entertainer.


In 1958, an appearance with the comedian Dickie Henderson led to his being offered the job of compère of Val Parnell's weekly TV variety show, Sunday Night at the London Palladium. He hosted the show for two years, followed by a year's break, then returned for another year. His schedule of stage performances, which continued throughout the 1960s, forced him to give up the job of host.



Forsyth appeared in the London production of Little Me, along with Avril Angers in 1964. In the musical film Star! (1968), a biopic of stage actress Gertrude Lawrence, he played alongside lead performer Julie Andrews as Lawrence's father.


In January 1968 Pye Records issued as a single "I'm Backing Britain", supporting the campaign of the same name, written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, and sung by Forsyth. The chorus included "The feeling is growing, so let's keep it going, the good times are blowing our way". All involved in making the single took cuts in their fees or royalties so that the single sold for 5s. instead of the going rate of 7s. 4½d. Forsyth happily endorsed the campaign, saying "The country has always done its best when it is up against the wall. If everyone realizes what we are up against we can get out of trouble easily. "The song did not make the charts, selling only 7,319 copies.



On 7 October 1968, he was top of the bill on the opening night of the Golden Garter nightclub, Wythenshawe. Two years later, he played Swinburne in the Disney fantasy film Bedknobs and Broomsticks. In 1976, he appeared on The Muppet Show, where he took on the famous duo of Statler and Waldorf.