Comedian and impersonator Mike Yarwood has died aged 82
Comedian and impersonator Mike Yarwood has died aged 82, the Royal Variety Charity has announced.
Yarwood became a household name in the 1960s and 1970s with his impressions of politicians and other celebrities.
He spent his later years at the Royal Variety Charity’s Brinsworth House in Twickenham, southwest London, and died in hospital on Friday.
Yarwood was born on June 14, 1941 in Bredbury, Cheshire and was a lifelong fan of Stockport County Football Club.
The Royal Variety Charity said it was deeply saddened to announce his death, adding: “He leaves an immeasurable void in the entertainment industry.”
It continued: “Mike Yarwood quickly rose to prominence through his extraordinary ability to mimic the voices and mannerisms of countless celebrities and public figures.
The Mike Yarwood Show (1977) holds the record for largest single Christmas audience with 21.4 million viewers
“His talent for impersonation brought smiles to the faces of millions, and his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects made him an icon in the comedy world.”
“Throughout his career, Mike appeared on television screens across the country and became a household name in the 1960s and 1970s. His variety shows, including “The Mike Yarwood Show” and “Mike Yarwood In Persons,” captivated audiences and showcased his uncanny talent for impersonation on prime-time television for two decades.
“The Mike Yarwood Show (1977) holds the record for largest single Christmas audience with 21.4 million viewers.
“Mike’s family has asked that their privacy be respected at this sad and difficult time.”
Yarwood was famous for his impressions of Prime Ministers Harold Wilson and Edward Heath, as well as the then Prince of Wales.
He said he was only six years old when he made his first appearance, stuffing a pillow into his sweater and putting on glasses to imitate Billy Bunter.
Tim Davie, BBC director general, said: “Mike Yarwood was simply one of the greats. He belongs to the golden generation of entertainers that shaped television for decades.
“From Harold Wilson to Frank Spencer, his legendary impressions were always sharp, warm and funny. We will all remember them with a smile.
“He was rightly one of Britain’s best-loved artists and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his family.”
TV comedian Kate Robbins posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “So sad to hear that the great Mike Yarwood has died. I was lucky enough to work with him in the 80s. The Governor of the Impressionists.
“When I was Sarah Brightman to his Cliff Richard, we could hardly do anything about it because we were laughing so much. Thank you Mike You were always a star to me.”
LBC presenter Iain Dale wrote: “Today we lost a titan of comedy, Mike Yarwood was one of the biggest stars of TV comedy in the 1970s.
“He was the impressionist’s impressionist and paved the way for those who followed him, yet he was sometimes underestimated.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/tim-davie-iain-dale-obe-twickenham-london-b1105926.html Comedian and impersonator Mike Yarwood has died aged 82
