Sad to hear that Des O’Connor has died. He was, arguably, the last of the all round entertainers. He toured the UK with Buddy Holly in March ‘58 and, apparently, they had a great time together.The picture was taken on that tour and shows them together with Joe B from the Crickets in the background
(Not sure if the link works!)
R.I.P. Des
https://mobile.twitter.com/DesOConnorCBE/status/1092044234763497472/photo/1
Smiles Diles says
The BBC state that he had a 45-year career, but it was much longer than that. He certainly did a lot and managed to reinvent himself at least a couple of times.
deramdaze says
That (considerable) link with Buddy Holly, and, of course, being the running gag for Morecambe and Wise (The Beatles’ favourite hosts of all their many TV appearances), puts Des at the very top table.
Even the Sainted Dave is only allowed to serve drinks there, and only if Marc Bolan isn’t available.
Had hits when people bought records, too.
Moose the Mooche says
He was on the same bill as the Fabs when my mum went to see them in 1963. “The comedian with the modern style” – ie he wasn’t music-hall.
Terrible singer, lovely bloke. Brought nothing but good things to the world. RIP
johnw says
I always liked him. He seemed to know his limitations so didn’t try to be something he wasn’t. He was a great supporter of up and coming acts too.
SteveT says
Much more reverence for him than for Bruce Forsyth who I just couldn’t abide.
Kjwilly says
I always liked his shows interviewing other comedians. He knew how to avoid treading on their gags and gave them the limelight.
His BBC2 shows in the late 70s introduced UK audiences to David Letterman and Jay Leno.
Moose the Mooche says
I quite like the fact that he would roll around on the sofa when he laughed. I’ve never seen anyone else do this on telly.
Kjwilly says
He genuinely seemed to enjoy that show and helping young Comedians.
Black Type says
He helped Stan Boardman, tho. Lest we forget.
Uncle Wheaty says
Fokker
dai says
Sorry, not joining in the gushing praise here. Definition of a pretty naff, smarmy, middling talent who made a long career out of very little. Still, good for him that he had a long life.
Kjwilly says
I can never understand why people want to comment on an obituary with a negative comment.
dai says
More a statement of his death than an obituary, but I apologise. Sad for his family that he passed away, but one’s opinion of him shouldn’t change from what it was yesterday and he had a good long life.
Uncle Wheaty says
And you could do better?
dai says
No, I couldn’t but it is not my profession.
dai says
I want to apologise for my remarks in this thread yesterday. I was having a bad day (that got worse) and I showed some poor judgement.
The fact that Des played along with all the (good hearted) abuse from Morecambe and Wise for many years shows him in a very good light and suggests he had much less of an ego that many of his contemporaries. RIP.
@daff @Uncle-Wheaty @Kjwilly
paulwright says
Don’t we all have bad days?
As someone who makes his living standing up in front of people (or currently down sitting down in front of them on a laptop) I am aware that the apparently trivial skill of seeming warm, friendly, funny and in control of the situation is quite a thing to have.
Personally Des was more my taste than Bruce, but it is a real skill.
That thing of making your audience feel you are on their side – harder than it looks I think.
(Michael Barrymore had it, Des did, Ant and Dec do, Bob Monkhouse didn’t – though he was very funny) (of those Des and Bob are more to my taste – but I prefer the edge of Paul O’Grady)