His film archive began in the late 1950s. "[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. Bob was given an OBE for services to entertainment in 1993. His book 'Just say a few words' has been a very useful tool on many occasions. Enter your password to log in. His death has come to a very big shock to me and I will miss him very much. Prepare for peak pothole season! [citation needed]. He hit the screens in the 1950s in the comedy show Fast And Loose and by 1960 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. Gabrielle Cohen, Edgware, UK, Having grown up with him on our screens for as long as we can rememberhe was a true "Star" in every sense of the word.John & Michaela Hadlow, Devon, He was so quick, so kind, so, so funny and just a lovely, lovely man. The show featured clips from comic silent films, many from his own private collection, some of which he had helped to recover and restore. !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. Aside from performing as a double act, Monkhouse and Goodwin wrote for comedians such as Arthur Askey, Jimmy Edwards, Ted Ray and Max Miller. He also acted in the Carry On films. 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. A respected stand-up comedian, Monkhouse was known for his talent at ad-libbing. He died peacefully in his sleep with his wife Jackie at his side, said his manager of 38 years, Peter Prichard. And one of the women goes, `Ooh, un champignon nouveau [meaning] a new mushroom'. Within its pages, he detailed that he had taken part in an orgy and had an affair with the actress Diana Dors, who was considered the British Marilyn Monroe. The widow of comedian Bob Monkhouse has died suddenly, it has emerged. Monkhouse had an elder brother, John, who was born in 1922. The London Gazette, 21 February 1958, p. 1258. Veteran comedian Bob Monkhouse told of the devastating effect the death of his youngest son had on him. By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. They had three children before they divorced in 1972 and he leaves one daughter, Abigail. Monkhouse, who lives in a Tudor farmhouse in Bedfordshire, has also suffered encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Bob Monkhouse was educated at Goring Hall School in Worthing, Sussex, and Dulwich College in south London, from which he was expelled for climbing the clock tower. I once met Bob Monkhouse 20 years ago in a lift in a Blackpool hotel when he was on his way to a stage performance. 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 was a UK institution and will be missed by millions. "He was respected by all the other comedians because he was dedicated to his craft - he never stopped making people laugh," Mr Prichard said. Comic Simon Cartwright did a play as him years after his death and people thought it was the real deal. He was not only a brilliant mind, but the warmest and most genuine of friends. 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. 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. Rob Hall, Manchester, He always gave fantastically crisp and sharp responses on any topic. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. It involved an implant in his stomach and a daily pill which allowed him to keep on working. Ever the showman, he continued to work on a new series of the popular daytime quiz Wipeout, as well as a number of one-off shows. Monkhouse died in 2003 of prostate cancer. 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. Born in Beckenham, south London, in June 1928, Monkhouse developed his talent for comedy while a pupil at nearby Dulwich College. 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. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations. [11] He returned in 1974 after subsequent presenters and comedians Norman Vaughan and Charlie Williams were found wanting.[11]. 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. 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Read our, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}. He spent 50 years in television, hosting TV game shows such as Family Fortunes and appearing in 12 films. Decca Record Company Limited, 1963. for his slickness and accused of insincerity. His manager, Peter Prichard, said the entertainer died peacefully at his Bedfordshire home on Monday morning. Mr Prichard said he was "choked" to deliver "the very, very sad news". Robert Alan Monkhouse OBE (1 June 1928 29 December 2003) was an English comedian, writer and actor. 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. If still alive today, Bob would now be 92! The former Family Fortune host died at his home in the village of Eggington, near Leighton Buzzard. Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand: Directed by Mark Lucey. In one gag, Monkhouse quipped: They laughed when I said I wanted to be a comedian. When he came on stage to entertain us the very first thing he said was that there was a lady in the audience who was celebrating her birthday today. The show lasted three series and showcased comedians of many generations. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This is sad news for British comedy, but I expect Heaven will be a hoot now! 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. Veteran British comedian and television host Bob Monkhouse died today at his Bedfordshire home, his manager said. 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. 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. It's a little one-reeler, French, and made, I should think, sometime in the Twenties.. 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. After being a stalwart of chat shows, in the mid-1980s Monkhouse presented his own for the BBC, The Bob Monkhouse Show. 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 . Shine on. Despite his fears about being forgotten, he was branded the unlikely hero of modern comedy in a 2015 Telegraph article because his style is reportedly seen in other comedians. This was broadcast live for 52 weeks a year and drew up to 17 million viewers. Monkhouse escaped after he kneed Hamilton in the groin and ran away but later admitted that he spent nearly six years fearing repercussions. Craig Warner, Hayden, Idaho, USA, I grew up in the 80s with Bob constantly on the TV. 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. Monkhouse also appeared in 12 films including Carry On Sergeant. The show was broadcast by the BBC in 2016 and again in November 2019 and April 2020. A genuinely funny man has left us.Paul Curran, Lowestoft, A true gentleman, a true comedian, a true workaholic and now a legend. Bob died peacefully in his sleep this morning at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.". Among other writing, Monkhouse wrote more than 100 Harlem Hotspots erotic novelettes. Bob Monkhouse. He died peacefully in his sleep after a two-and-a-half year battle. 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. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. God Bless You BOB! After his death, tributes were paid by many figures in the world of entertainment. The comedian, entertainer and game show host was the king of light entertainment on BBC and ITV for many viewers. . Read a selection of your e-mails below. Monkhouse, an acknowledged expert on the early cinema, lived in a 16th century farmhouse. In his later years, Monkhouse was probably better known for hosting television quiz shows than for being a comedian. Bob Monkhouse: Master Of Laughter airs on Channel 5 tonight Tuesday, December 29 at 9pm. And she goes to pluck the mushroom and continues plucking it for about five minutes.". Later Monkhouse and Ms Dors had an affair, which sparked fury after it was discovered by her husband Dennis Hamilton. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. During the confrontation, he allegedly held a cut-throat razor to the comedians face and told him: Im going to slit your eyeballs!. Thanks Bob, for years of quick-fire laughs.Stu, France, The ultimate hard working entertainer, who brought joy and laughter to all those who loved his quick fire humour. RIP sir.Tony Wallace, Nottingham, As a professional musician, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Bob on several occasions. There will never be another like him. This account already exists. In the early 1970s he appeared on BBC Radio in Mostly Monkhouse with Josephine Tewson and David Jason. With Bob Monkhouse, Mike Yarwood, Fiona Allen, Jon Culshaw. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. The Independents Giles Smith commented that Monkhouse told me this quite candidly in a 1995 article. He went on to enjoy a long career as a comedian and occasional straight actor. I know no one else like him and will probably never find another. Robert Alan Monkhouse, one of Britain's best known comedians and game show hosts, died on Dec. 29 from prostate cancer. 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. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. He died peacefully in his sleep after losing his two-and-a-half year battle against. 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. [21] His lovers before his second marriage included the actress Diana Dors, about whose parties he later commented after her death: "The awkward part about an orgy is that afterwards you're not too sure who to thank. He was so jovial & kind to me. He was also such a great stand up comedian in all my 40 years of life never did I here Bob repeat a gag. Robert Alan "Bob" Monkhouse, OBE (1st June 1928 - 29th December 2003) was an English entertainer and comedian. ", 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. He became much in demand as an after-dinner speaker and wrote a book about the subject, Just Say a Few Words (Lennard Publishing, 1988, 1999). The comic also suffered a setback in his fight against illhealth when he broke a collarbone in a fall in October. I only 'discovered' his magic some 4 years ago but am so glad I did. He also became a favourite with impressionists, and, as his comedy style fell out of favour in the 1980s, he was mocked[who?] [6][bettersourceneeded] While still at school, Monkhouse wrote for The Beano and The Dandy and drew for other comics including Hotspur, Wizard and Adventure. The star, one of the UK's best known entertainers, battled prostate and bone cancer for more than two years. The great betrayal: How journalist Isabel Oakeshott leaked Matt Hancock's WhatsApps after they worked Covid gurus Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance warned that shielding wasn't 'very effective' at start of 'Appalled and sickened but not surprised at all': Fury of Covid families as WhatsApps 'show Matt Hancock Health ministers knew there was no evidence to justify making kids abide by rule of 6 - but No10 'didn't Britain's first child Covid death, 13, may have been contributed to by doctors as senior medic admits Rishi Sunak is urgently reviewing his private exchanges with Matt Hancock after bombshell leak of ex-Health 'Drinks cold in fridge at DH!' UK Edition Asia Edition Edicin en Espaol. 1953. The star, one of the UK's best known entertainers, battled prostate and bone cancer for more than two years. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. ", His autobiography, Crying With Laughter, rejuvenated his career in 1993. Bob was also a Royal Variety Performance staple and hosted numerous chat shows with his name attached. Sign up for exclusive newsletters, comment on stories, enter competitions and attend events. What are some of his most memorable career moments? It was my ambition to appear on Wipeout and meet him in person, sadly this can now never be. The late comedian was among Britains top entertainers and is believed to have inspired contemporary funnymen including Jimmy Carr, Michael McIntyre and Peter Kay. His parents hoped he would join the family's custard business, but Bob and his friend Denis Goodwin had other plans. EXCLUSIVE: Lanzarote sticks to its guns and insists it WILL limit tourists and move away from relying on Jeremy Clarkson DENIES he has been sacked as Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? Rest in Peace you dear sweet man. He got them back a year later. It is very, very sad news.". ob Monkhouse, the king of television comedy, died today after a long battle against cancer. I'd have paid good money to stay out of here. One of the nicest people in this business, always found time to stop for a chat. An expert on the history of silent cinema and a film collector, Monkhouse presented Mad Movies in 1966. Monkhouse's agent of 38 years, Peter Prichard, said . Read more: Nick McGlashan death: Police reveal possibility of drug involvement. Veteran British comedian and television host Bob Monkhouse died today at his Bedfordshire home, his manager said. He was 75. Simon, a teacher, had a history of depression. He always had so many original one line jokes! My best wishes go to his family & friends.Stephen, St Erth, Cornwall, One word.LEGEND!! His support for up-and-coming comedians and his knowledge of the people working in the industry was legendary. After national service in the RAF, he conned his way into the BBC - by duping an Army psychiatrist into signing a letter requesting an audition, on the grounds that it would be the only cure for Corporal Monkhouse's delusional psychosis. The veteran star recalled the strained relationship he had with his son Simon, 46 - who died . Robert Alan Monkhouse OBE (1 June 1928 - 29 December 2003) was an English comedian, writer and actor. 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. He added: "The family requests privacy at this very unhappy time.". I always enjoyed his 'Smooth' act and his (sometimes v. naughty) innuendos. And as well as fronting the likes of The Golden Shot,Family Fortunes,Opportunity Knocks, Bobs Full House, Celebrity SquaresandWipeout, he also acted and hosted on the radio. Showbusiness agent. He was appearing in south sea with Yana. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? A Man Already Greatly Missed. He died peacefully in his sleep after losing his two-and-a-half year battle against cancer, said Peter Prichard. Monkhouse was married twice, firstly to Elizabeth Thompson on 5 November 1949. The marriage ended after 18 years after they had three children - Abigail, Gary and Simon. I want to die in the saddle. He added: "The family requests privacy at this very unhappy time.". Bob: Great Comedian Great mind, great man. It was claimed that Carrs one-liners were very similar to those of Monkhouse due to their brevity, their punchiness [and] their verbal economy. The next day I saw him sunbathing on Hayling Island beach alongside his enormous Pontiac car. 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.". 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