Who was Mike Yarwood and when did he pass away?
TV impressionist and comedian Mike Yarwood had a decades-long career.
He became a household name in the 1960s and 1970s, but who was he?
Who was Mike Yarwood?
Mike Yarwood was born on June 14, 1941 in Bredbury, Cheshire.
His life started out relatively normally, getting a job as a messenger and then a salesman at a warehouse.
He played football as a child and tried out for Oldham Athletic before becoming a director of Stockport County football club.
It was when he tried out for a talent show at a pub where he came runner up, before his showbiz career took off.
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He then went on a tour of the circuit of pubs and working men's clubs in Northern England.
He broke into TV as a warm-up man on Comedy Bandbox ahead of landing multiple other TV shows.
Mike was best known for his impressions of politicians and other celebrities.
He played famous faces including Brian Clough, King Charles, Prince Andrew, Ted Heath, Harold Wilson and Alf Garnett on The Mike Yarwood Show.
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When did Mike Yarwood pass away?
Mike passed away at the age of 82 on September 8, 2023.
He spent the last years of his life at the Royal Variety Charity’s Brinsworth House, a residential and nursing retirement home for theatre and entertainment professionals in Twickenham, south-west London.
The Royal Variety Charity said it was deeply saddened to announce his death, adding: "He leaves behind an immeasurable void in the entertainment industry.
"Mike 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."
The charity added: "Throughout 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.
"The Mike Yarwood Show (1977) holds the record for the largest single Christmas Day audience of 21.4 million viewers."
Was Mike Yarwood married and did he have any children?
Yes, Mike was married and had children.
He was married to dancer Sandra Burville from 1969 and 1985.
She had quite the career herself and was best known for her roles in Stop the World: I Want to Get Off (1966), Man in a Suitcase (1967) and Thirty-Minute Theatre (1965).
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The pair had two daughters together, Charlotte and Clare.
His eldest daughter Charlotte was born on 19th October 1970, and his youngest Clare was born on 29th November 1972.