{"id":36655,"date":"2023-09-09T12:18:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-09T10:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1886844"},"modified":"2023-09-09T14:42:25","modified_gmt":"2023-09-09T12:42:25","slug":"mike-yarwood-comedian-and-impersonator-dies-aged-82","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/mike-yarwood-comedian-and-impersonator-dies-aged-82\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike Yarwood, comedian and impersonator, dies aged 82"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yarwood became a household name in the ’60s and ’70s for his impersonations of politicians and public figures. <\/p>

By Chezelle Bingham\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Saturday, 09 September 2023 at 10:18 AM<\/p>

\n\n

TV comedian and celebrity impersonator Mike Yarwood died aged 82 in hospital on Friday 8th September, the Royal Variety Charity has announced.<\/p>\n

Yarwood was most known for his impressions of public figures including prime ministers Harold Wilson, Ted Heath and Prince Charles, among others, and was considered one of the biggest TV stars of the \u201960s and \u201970s.<\/p>\n

In 1977, The Mike Yarwood Show broke records when it achieved one of the largest single Christmas Day audiences ever for a British TV programme, at 21.4 million viewers.<\/p>\n

The Royal Variety Charity confirmed Yarwood\u2019s death in a statement, saying: \u201cHe leaves behind an immeasurable void in the entertainment industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cMike Yarwood quickly rose to prominence for his exceptional ability to mimic the voices and mannerisms of countless celebrities and public figures. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Comedian\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Mike Yarwood holding a fez in his dressing room.<\/span><\/figcaption> TV Times \/ Getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u201cThroughout his career, Mike graced television screens nationwide, becoming 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 mimicry on prime-time television for two decades.<\/p>\n

The Royal Variety Charity stated that \u201cMike\u2019s family have asked that their privacy be respected during this sad and difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n

BBC Director-General Tim Davie paid tribute to Yarwood, saying: \u201cMike Yarwood was simply one of the greats. Part of the golden generation of entertainers that defined television for decades.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Harold Wilson to Frank Spencer, his legendary impressions were always pin sharp, warm and funny. We will remember them all with a smile. He was rightly one of Britain\u2019s most loved performers and will be hugely missed. Our thoughts are with his family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Actress and singer Kate Robbins also remembered Yarwood on her X (formerly known as Twitter) account, saying that he was \u201cthe guv\u2019nor of impressionists\u201d.<\/p>\n

So sad to hear the great #MikeYarwood<\/a> has died. I was lucky enough to work with him in the 80s. The guv\u2019nor of impressionists. When I was Sarah Brightman to his Cliff Richard we could hardly get anything done for laughing so much. Thanks, Mike. You were always a star to me\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffd pic.twitter.com\/XUCykXxnqy<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Kate Robbins (@KateRobbins) September 8, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>