Not someone known outside of the UK and Ireland really, but Sir Terry Wogan has died after after a short illness with cancer, aged 77. He was particularly known here for his radio show, his TV chat show, and hosting charity events such as Children in Need.
R.I.P. Terry, while I wasn't an avid fan you were a consumate light entertainer and a presence around my life for five decades.
Sad news. I was a fan of Sir Terry, I used to listen to 'Wake Up To Wogan' every morning on Radio 2. It was great to hear the craic and wit between him and his producer Paulie Walters. I liked the music he played as well. I met him once at a book signing and he was very nice. Sad that Terry and another DJ I really liked Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart have passed within a few weeks of each other. Fond memories, RIP.
His real forte was radio, where he managed to keep ELOQUENCE and wit in an age where broadcasting was becoming increasingly stale. But for anyone trans-Pond who doesn't know his TV persona, there are dozens of Youtube clips of his chat show, he was Parkinson's successor. He interviewed every and any of the notables from both sides of the Pond, just dig around and find them:
Ah this is a shame. Wasn't a huge fan (I'm just not a fan of talk or panel shows) but he was always pleasantly watchable and seemed like a genuinely nice bloke!
That's correct. He would counter attack with vocal mortar bombing, in which each thud would resound satisfyingly to all those on the right side of the channel.
Whilst I never went out of my way to watch/hear him (and I do think his contemporary, Jimmy Young, was a better radio presenter) he has amused and entertained me for much of my adult life.
And I was shocked to hear of his death as I hadn't caught the news that he had disappeared from the airwaves so suddenly last November.
Anyhow, the radio tributes I've heard today brought back some of those long-lost memories (of the awful morning commute) and, in particular, his series of Janet and John stories. I had forgotten them and yet hearing the one replayed this morning on the Today programme (Radio 4 06:50hrs approx.) has had me smiling most of the day.
A Gentleman Broadcaster! I had the pleasure of meeting him with a friend back in November 2012 when WE both attended the BBC Studios Tour at the old premises Wood Lane W2. The studios were getting ready to film Children in Need Live! What made the day special of course was as we were walking around we immediately noticed Sir Terry coming towards us near a side entrance, in the excitment we waited with the 2nd Tour Guide; said our hellos, shook hands and had pictures taken with him! A great moment as ONLY we three got to see him, the rest of the group lost out! MEMORIES! R.I.P Sir Terry.
Funny stuff! I actually have one of those Janet & John CDs which I must listen to again. Like Mitch said, I used to love Terry reading those stories on my commute to work, made my day. I loved the whole atmosphere of his breakfast show in those days.
