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{{Short description|British entertainer and presenter (1928–2017)}}
{{Infobox Person
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
|name = Bruce Forsyth
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
|image = Bruce Forsyth1.jpg
{{Infobox person
|image_size = 200px
| honorific_prefix = ]
|caption = Bruce Forsyth
|birth_name = Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson | name = Bruce Forsyth
| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|CBE}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1928|2|22|df=yes}}
| image = Bruce Forsyth1 (cropped) (cropped).jpg
|birth_place = ], ]
| caption = Forsyth in 2006
|death_date =
| birth_name = {{nowrap|Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson}}
|death_place =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=y|1928|2|22}}
|resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} -->
|residence = ], ] | birth_place = ], England
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2017|8|18|1928|2|22|df=y}}
|nationality = ]
| death_place = ], England
|citizenship =
| death_cause = <!-- Deliberately left blank - cause of death is not significant to Forsyth's notability -->
|other_names = Bruce Forsyth ]<br />Bruce Forsyth ]<br />Brucey<br />Brucie<br />Bruce<br />Bruce J. Forsyth
| resting_place = ]
|known_for = presenting '']'' and many ]s
| other_names = Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom<br />Brucie
|education =
| occupation = {{hlist|Presenter|actor|comedian|singer|dancer|screenwriter}}
|alma_mater =
|employer = ] | years_active = 1939–2015
| spouse = {{plainlist|
|occupation = ], ], ], ], ]
* {{marriage|Penny Calvert|1953|1973|end=divorced}}
|years_active =1955-1998, 1999-present
* {{marriage|]|1973|1979|end=divorced}}
|home_town =
* {{marriage|]|1983|<!--Leave blank when marriage ends with death of article subject, per Template:marriage instructions-->}}
|title =
|salary =
|networth =
|height =
|weight =
|term =
|predecessor =
|successor =
|party =
|opponents =
|boards =
|religion = ]<ref>Bruce: The Autobiography</ref>
|spouse = ] (1983-present)<br />] (1973-1979)<br />Penny Calvert (1953-1973)
|partner =
|children = 6 including:<br />Jonathan Joseph<br />Julie Forsyth<br />Laura Forsyth
|parents =
|relations =
|callsign =
|signature =
|website =
|footnotes =
|baftaawards = ''']'''<br>2008
}} }}
| children = 6
{{for|others of this name|Bruce Johnson (disambiguation)}}
| relations = {{plainlist|
'''Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson''' ] (known as '''Bruce Forsyth'''<ref> 2008-02-23. Retrieved 2008-02-23. </ref>, born 22 February 1928 in ]) is a ] ] award-winning ] and ], who achieved celebrity status on the series '']'', and became a household name in the UK, going on to present the television series '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''.
* {{longitem|]<br />(great-grandfather)}}
* {{longitem|]<br />(4× great-grandfather)}}
}}
| awards = ] (2011)
| module = {{Infobox military person|embed=yes
| allegiance = United Kingdom
| branch = ]
| serviceyears = 1947–1949
| unit = Film Unit
| rank =
| battles =
}}
}}
'''Sir Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson''' (22 February 1928 – 18 August 2017) was an English entertainer and television presenter whose career spanned more than 75 years.


Forsyth came to national attention from the late 1950s through the ] series '']''. He went on to host several game shows, including '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. He co-presented '']'' from 2004 to 2013.
==Biography==
Bruce Joseph Forsyth Johnson was born in ], ], to John Thomas Forsyth Johnson and Florence Ada Pocknell; he had an elder brother called John. His family owned a car repair garage in Victoria Road, Edmonton, and as members of the ] his parents played ] and his mother was a singer.<ref name="Guard1">{{citeweb|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,,2226793,00.html|title=Didn't he do well ...|author=Cooke, Rachel|publisher=The Guardian|date=2007-12-16|accessdate=2008-01-04}}</ref> His great grandfather ] (1840–1906) was a landscape architect who worked in Russia, Ireland and the United States. His great-great-great-great grandfather ] was a founder of the ] and the namesake of the plant ].<ref>"Family detective: Bruce Forsyth", ''], 6 December 2006</ref>


During his time as host of ''The Generation Game'', Forsyth began using what would become his signature 'call and response' greeting with the studio audience, "It's nice to see you, to see ''you''...", to which the audience would loudly reply, "Nice!"; he used this on many shows he later hosted for the rest of his career. Forsyth was also known for his "]" pose, emulating ]'s sculpture, which he used on many shows he later hosted.
==="Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom"===
Forsyth attended ]. After watching ] in films at age eight, he trained in ] in ] and then ].<ref name="Guard1"/> He started in show business aged 14, with a song, dance, and ] act called "Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom." His first appearance was at the Theatre Royal, ], with ''The Great Marzo'' at the top of the bill.<ref name="Guard1"/> Forsyth made his television debut in 1939 as a child, singing and dancing on a talent show introduced by ], probably an episode of ''Come and Be Televised'' (BBC, 1939), broadcast from ].


Forsyth was made a ] in the ] for services to entertainment and charity.<ref name=":0" /> In 2012, '']'' recognised Forsyth as having the longest television career for a male entertainer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2012/9/sir-bruce-forsyth-breaks-tv-career-world-record/|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth breaks TV career world record|date=7 September 2012|publisher=Guinness World Records|access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref>
===Post WW2 theatre===
Forsyth continued to perform through ], even after the death of his ] pilot brother John in 1943 over ], Scotland.<ref name="Mirror1">{{citeweb|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/latest/2008/02/22/tv-legend-bruce-forsyth-celebrates-his-80th-birthday-today-89520-20327325/|title=TV legend Bruce Forsyth celebrates his 80th birthday today|author=Carroll, Sue|date=2008-02-22|accessdate=2008-07-04}}</ref> After the war, with the goal of joining ] theatres, he spent years on stage with little success and travelled the UK working seven days a week, doing summer seasons, ]s and ]es, where he became renowned for his strong-man act.


==Early life==
Forsyth became a celebrity in September 1958 when an appearance with the comedian ] led to his being offered the job of compère of ]'s weekly TV variety show, '']''. He hosted the show for two years, followed by a year's break, then returned for another year. His hectic schedule of stage performances, which continued throughout the 1960s, forced him to give up the job of host.
Forsyth was born on Victoria Road in ], ], on 22 February 1928,<ref>, ''The Times'', 23 February 2008. Retrieved 23 February 2008.</ref> the son of Florence Ada (''née'' Pocknell) and John Thomas Forsyth-Johnson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/33/Bruce-Forsyth.html|title=Bruce Forsyth Biography (1928–)|website=www.filmreference.com}}</ref> His family owned a car repair garage and, as members of the ], his parents played ]; his mother was a singer.<ref name="Guard1">{{cite news|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,,2226793,00.html|title=Didn't he do well ...|last=Cooke|first= Rachel|work=The Guardian|date=16 December 2007|access-date=4 January 2008|location=London}}</ref>


His great-grandfather ] was a ] who worked in several countries,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-10665583|title=Bruce Forsyth discovers 'bigamist' in his family tree|publisher=BBC|work=BBC News|date=19 July 2010|access-date=19 July 2010|location=London}}</ref> and Bruce believed that his great-great-great-great-grandfather was ] (1737–1804) a founder of the ] and the namesake of the plant ] '']. ''However both of William's sons died without heirs so William had no direct descendants<ref>Journal of the RHS Vol 66 1941 p.319 et seq. </ref>.<ref>{{cite news|title=Family detective: Bruce Forsyth|work=]|date=6 December 2006|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1435131/Family-detective-Bruce-Forsyth.html|location=London|first=Nick|last=Barratt|access-date=27 April 2010}}</ref>
In 1968, he appeared alongside ] in the musical movie '']'', a biopic of stage actress ].


Following the outbreak of the ], Forsyth was evacuated to ]. Shortly after he arrived, Forsyth's parents allowed him to return to London because he felt homesick.<ref>{{cite book|title=The children's front : the impact of the Second World War on British children|last=Buckton|first=Henry|publisher=Phillimore|year=2009|isbn=9781860775710|location=Chichester, West Sussex, England|pages=101–102|oclc=317931464}}</ref> On 21 May 1943, Forsyth's older brother John, who was serving as a pilot in the ], was killed aged 20 during a training exercise at ]; he is commemorated on the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/apr/14/bruce-forsyth-family-values|title=Bruce Forsyth: My family values|last=Wintle|first=Angela|date=14 April 2012|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{CWGC|id=1270257|name=Forsyth-Johnson, John Frederick|access-date=18 November 2024}}</ref> Forsyth attended ]. After watching ] in films at the age of eight, he trained in dance in ] and then ].<ref name="Guard1" />
===Gameshow host===
]'']]
Forsyth's next success was '']'' (], 1971 to 1977, 1990 to 1994) which proved popular and attracted huge Saturday evening audiences. It was on this show that Forsyth introduced his "]" pose, emulating ]'s sculpture, appearing in silhouette each week before the show. This pose is reminiscent of the circus strong-man attitude. He also wrote and sang the theme for the show "Life Is The Name of the Game."


==Career==
He left the hit BBC show in 1978 to present ''Bruce Forsyth's Big NIght'', which also transmitted on Saturday evening, but on rival channel ITV. However, the series was not a success and lasted just the one series. He was replaced on The Generation Game by ].
===Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom===
Forsyth started his live public performances aged 14, with a song, dance and ] act called Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom.<ref name="Loxley"/> His first appearance was at the Theatre Royal in ], with The Great Marzo at the top of the bill.<ref name="Guard1"/> He had made his television debut in 1939 as a child, singing and dancing on BBC talent show ''Come and Be Televised'', broadcast from ] and introduced by ].<ref name="Loxley"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/people/id/1039077/index.html|title=BFI Screenonline: Forsyth, Bruce (1928–) Biography|website=www.screenonline.org.uk}}</ref>


===Post-war work===
In 1986, he went to the United States to host a game show on ], '']'', which ran 65 episodes from January to April that year. Forsyth starred in the ] sitcom ''Slinger's Day'' in 1986 and 1987, taking over a role played by ]. His television appearances since the 1960s have included variety, comedy and light entertainment shows.
After the war, with the goal of joining ] theatres, he spent years on stage with little success and travelled the UK working seven days a week, doing summer seasons, ]s and ]es, where he became renowned for his strong-man act.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/strictly-come-dancing/news/a835951/bruce-forsyth-dies-obituary/|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth dies: Remembering the iconic TV host, entertainer and Strictly Come Dancing star|last=Eames|first=Tom|date=18 August 2017|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> His act was interrupted by ] when he was conscripted into the Royal Air Force at the age of 19, which he later reflected taught him "respect and discipline".<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.irishnews.com/magazine/entertainment/2017/08/18/news/the-facts-you-did-not-know-about-bruce-forsyth-1115094/ | title= 10 facts you did not know about Bruce Forsyth | work=The Irish News | date=18 August 2017 | access-date=25 February 2023}}</ref>


In 1958, an appearance with the comedian ] led to his being offered the job of compère of ]'s weekly TV variety show, '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wr6qy|title=I'm in Charge|publisher=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> He hosted the show for two years, followed by a year's break, then returned for another year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.bt.com/pictures/tv-news/60-years-of-sunday-night-at-the-palladium-a-look-back-at-some-classic-archive-shots-41363978588222|title=60 years of Sunday Night at the Palladium: A look back at some classic archive shots|publisher=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> His schedule of stage performances, which continued throughout the 1960s, forced him to give up the job of host.
He was the original host of '']'' (1988 to 1990) and fronted the third version of '']'' (1995 to 2001). Less known and comparatively unsuccessful shows include ''Takeover Bid'' (1990 to 1991), ''Hollywood Or Bust'' (1984), ''Bruce's Guest Night'' (1992 to 1993) and ''Bruce Forsyth's Big Night'', a 1978 ] extravaganza which is the only major ] of his TV career. During the 1980s and 1990s Forsyth appeared in advertising for the furniture retailer ], in which he dressed as a ].


]
Forsyth celebrated his 70th birthday in 1998 and appeared in a week-long run of his one-man show at the ], culminating in a 90-minute edition of ''Sunday Night at the London Palladium'' live on ]. In 2000, Forsyth hosted a series called ''Tonight at the London Palladium'', which revived the original format.
Forsyth appeared in the London production of '']'', along with ] in 1964.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/nov/14/guardianobituaries.media|title=Obituary: Avril Angers|last=Barker|first=Dennis|date=14 November 2005|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> In the musical film '']'' (1968), a biopic of stage actress ], he played alongside lead performer ] as Lawrence's father.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9B07E0DE1130E034BC4B51DFB6678383679EDE&pagewanted=print&mcubz=0&mcubz=0|title=Screen: 'Star!' Arrives:Julie Andrews Featured in Movie at Rivoli|last=Adler|first=Renata|date=23 October 1968|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>


In January 1968 ] issued as a single "I'm Backing Britain", supporting the ], written by ] and ], and sung by Forsyth.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=20 January 1968|title=Back Britain drive hits chord in music field|magazine=]|page=40|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vgoEAAAAMBAJ&q=bruce+forsyth+I%27m+Backing+Britain+trent+Hatch&pg=RA1-PA49-IA11}}</ref> The chorus included "The feeling is growing, so let's keep it going, the good times are blowing our way". All involved in making the single took cuts in their fees or royalties so that the single sold for 5] instead of the going rate of 7s. {{frac|4|1|2}}d. Forsyth happily endorsed the campaign, saying "The country has always done its best when it is up against the wall. If everyone realises what we are up against we can get out of trouble easily."<ref name="Single">"Song for the typists" (Business Diary), ''The Times'', 8 January 1968, p. 19.</ref> The song did not make the charts,<ref name="Not charted">Craig Brown, "Way of the world: A mutual case of wow", ''Daily Telegraph'', 4 June 2005, p. 23.</ref> selling only 7,319 copies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15551818|title=Buy British: Why isn't there a new campaign?|last=McClatchey|first=Caroline|date=8 November 2011|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>
In 2003, Forsyth was a guest presenter on the news and satire quiz show, ].


On 7 October 1968, he was top of the bill on the opening night of the Golden Garter nightclub, Wythenshawe.<ref>{{cite book|last=Forsyth|first=Bruce|title=Strictly Bruce: Stories Of My Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RiIrCQAAQBAJ&q=bruce+forsyth+Wythenshawe&pg=PT158|access-date=18 August 2017|year=2015|publisher=]|isbn=9780593075982}}</ref> Two years later, he played Swinburne in the ] fantasy film '']''.<ref name="Sellers"/> In 1976, he appeared on '']'', where he took on the duo ].<ref name="Muppet">{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-01-28/the-stars-share-their-muppet-memories/|title=The stars share their Muppet memories|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>
===Tributes and honours===
On 27 February 2005, the BBC screened ''A ] Tribute to Bruce Forsyth'', to mark the entertainer's 60 years in show business. Forsyth had a bronze bust of himself unveiled at the ] in May 2005. The ] was created by his son-in-law, and is on display in the theatre's Cinderella Bar.


===Game show host===
He was appointed a Commander of the ] in the 2006 New Year Honours list. His showbiz awards include ] Show Business Personality of the Year in 1975; '']'' Male TV Personality of the Year, in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978; and BBC TV Personality of the Year in 1991.
During his spell of hosting ''Sunday Night at the London Palladium'' as part of the show he hosted the 15-minute game show '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11882663/BFI-to-show-entire-night-of-television-recorded-in-1964.html|title=BFI to show entire night of television recorded in 1964|last=Hawkes|first=Rebecca|date=30 September 2015|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> Forsyth's next success was '']'' (], 1971–1977, 1990–1994), which proved popular and attracted huge Saturday evening audiences.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13710011|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth's old-fashioned appeal|date=4 April 2014|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> It was on this show that Forsyth introduced his "]" pose, emulating ]'s sculpture, appearing in silhouette each week after the opening titles. This pose is reminiscent of the circus strong-man attitude, and Forsyth used it on many shows he later hosted.<ref name="Loxley">{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-04-05/9-facts-you-might-not-know-about-sir-bruce-forsyth/|title=9 facts you might not know about Sir Bruce Forsyth|last=Loxley|first=Tom|date=5 April 2014|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> He also wrote and sang the theme for the show "Life is the Name of the Game."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classicfm.com/music-news/sir-bruce-forsyth-dies-aged-89/|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth dies aged 89|date=18 August 2017|publisher=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> Millions of viewers became familiar with the rasp of Forsyth's ] and his "distinctively pointy" chin that he emphasised in poses such as the "human question mark", with chin over raised knee.<ref name="Guard1"/> During his time as host of ''The Generation Game'' he began using what would become his signature 'call and response' greeting with the studio audience, "It's nice to see you, to see ''you''...", to which the audience would loudly reply, "Nice!";<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/sir-bruce-forsyth-catchphrases-2126171 |title=Sir Bruce Forsyth's 10 most iconic catchphrases |publisher=NME Networks |date=18 August 2017 |website=www.nme.com |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> he used this on many shows he later hosted for the rest of his career. He was replaced on ''The Generation Game'' by ].<ref name="Appeal">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4570306.stm|title=Forsyth's old-fashioned appeal|date=31 December 2005|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>


In 1977 he announced that he was leaving television to take the star role in a new musical, ''The Travelling Music Show'', based on the songs of ] and ].<ref name="Bruce: The Autobiography">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XcYLmLuXxYMC&q=bruce+forsyth+clair+de+lune&pg=PP186|title=Bruce: The Autobiography|isbn=9780330475945|last1=Forsyth|first1=Bruce|date=6 September 2012|publisher=Pan Macmillan }}</ref> The show did reasonably well in provincial theatre, but received poor reviews when it moved to London and it closed after four months in July 1978.
In December 2007, his catchphrase 'Nice to see you, to see you, nice' was voted the most popular UK catchphrase by the British public. On 24 February 2008, the BBC featured an 85-minute programme celebrating the star's 80th birthday, entitled "Happy Birthday Brucie!"


] persuaded him to return to the screen later that year to present '']'', a two-hour Saturday-night show on ITV encompassing a variety of different entertainment formats (later reduced to 90 minutes). However, the show was not a success and lasted for just one series.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/the-fight-for-saturday-night-tv-review-top-marks-for-michael-grades-illuminating-look-at-televisions-9931877.html|title=The Fight for Saturday Night, TV review: Top marks for Michael Grade's illuminating look at television's golden age|last=Dean|first=Will|date=18 December 2014|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> Forsyth remained with ITV, hosting the game show '']'', which was the UK version of the US original '']'', from 1980 to 1987, 1994 to 1999,<ref name="Viner">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/bruce-forsyth-humiliated-by-itv-directors-lack-of-respect-634802.html|title=Bruce Forsyth 'humiliated' by ITV director's lack of 'respect'|last=Viner|first=Brian|date=26 October 2000|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> and a brief period from 2002 to 2003, before the show was pulled mid-run.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishclassiccomedy.co.uk/play-your-cards-right-1980|title=Play Your Cards Right, 1980|date=24 April 2015|publisher=British Classic Comedy|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>
In 2008, he was awarded a ].


In 1986, he went to the United States to host a game show on ], '']'', which ran for 65 episodes from January to April that year.<ref name="Loxley"/> Shortly after, Forsyth was considered by ] to be a candidate for hosting the revival of <nowiki>''</nowiki>Card Sharks<nowiki>''</nowiki>; ultimately the jobs went to ] (for the daytime version that aired on CBS), and ] (who hosted the night-time syndicated version). Forsyth starred in the ] sitcom '']'' in 1986 and 1987, a sequel to '']'' which had starred ], whom Forsyth replaced in the new show.<ref name="Sellers"/> He was the original host of '']'' (1988 to 1990).<ref name="Timeline">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/04/18/bruce-forsyth-a-timeline/|title=Bruce Forsyth: a timeline|date=18 August 2017|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>
===Personal life===
From 1953 to 1973, Forsyth was married to Penny Calvert, with whom he had three daughters: Debbie, Julie and Laura. From 1973 to 1979, he was married to ], who had been the hostess on ''The Generation Game'' with whom he had two daughters: Charlotte and Louisa. Asked to judge the 1980 ] competition, he fell in love with fellow judge, the 1975 Miss World, ];<ref></ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Bruce Forsyth | work = The Observer | url = http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/recorddoctor/story/0,,1369014,00.html | date =2004-12-12}}</ref> they married in 1983, and have one son together, Jonathan Joseph Forsyth.


Forsyth fronted the third version of '']'' (1995 to 2001).<ref name="Viner"/> His unsuccessful gameshows include '']'' (1990 to 1991),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2012/feb/09/game-show-hosts-six-to-watch|title=Six to watch: Gameshow hosts|last=Bettridge|first=Daniel|date=9 February 2012|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> '']'' (1984),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19840410&id=yspAAAAAIBAJ&pg=1257,2055714|title=TV|last=Belcher|first=David|date=10 April 1984|work=]|page=26|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> and '']'' (2004).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bruce-forsyth-returns-tv-new-quiz-show-bbc/193926|title=Bruce Forsyth returns to TV with new quiz show on BBC|last=Billings|first=Claire|date=30 October 2003|publisher=Campaign|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> During the 1970s Forsyth featured in the ] adverts on television,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unilever.co.uk/brands/our-brands/stork.html|title=Stork|publisher=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> and then during the 1980s and 1990s he appeared in an advertising campaign for the furniture retailer ], in which he dressed as a judge.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2004/nov/30/6|title=Courts furniture chain collapses|last=Treanor|first=Jill|date=30 November 2004|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>
Admired for his fitness, he does Tibetan stretches 30 minutes each day and keeps his strength up backstage with a flask of ] with a dash of Sherry to keep that glow.<ref name="Guard1"/> Because of his love of golf, his main residence is at the ] adjacent to ] near ] in northwest ]. A childhood supporter of ] thanks to his father, as the searchlights were positioned at their ] ] ground during World War Two and games moved Bruce to ] ] ground, he became a supporter of both clubs.<ref name="Mirror1"/>


Forsyth celebrated his 70th birthday in 1998 and appeared in a week-long run of his one-man show at the ].<ref name="Sellers">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/bruce-forsyth-death-obituary-tributes-biography-who-was-he-career-life-a7900981.html|title=Bruce Forsyth: The face of Saturday night television who has died at the age of 89|last=Sellers|first=Robert|date=18 August 2017|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> In 2000, Forsyth hosted a revived series called '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2011/nov/24/bruce-forsyth-70-years-stage|title=Bruce Forsyth to celebrate 70 years in showbiz with stage show|last=Trueman|first=Matt|date=24 November 2011|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>
His daughter Julie was a member of the Pop Group "The Plasmatics".


===Career revival===
==Catchphrases==
In 2003, and again in 2010, Forsyth was a guest presenter on the news and satire quiz show '']''. Forsyth had called ], one of the team captains on the show, to suggest himself as a guest presenter.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Youngs|first1=Ian|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth: 8 little-known facts about his career|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40985302|website=] – Entertainment & Arts|access-date=20 August 2017|date=19 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="hignfy">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2012/apr/13/have-i-got-news-for-you-host|title=What makes the perfect Have I Got News For You host?|last=Heritage|first=Stuart|date=13 April 2012|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> He co-presented '']'' from 2004 to 2013, formally stepping down from hosting the regular live show in April 2014. This decision was made to reduce his workload and for the preparation of pre-recorded specials.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/apr/04/bruce-forsyth-steps-down-strictly-come-dancing|title=Bruce Forsyth steps down as presenter of Strictly Come Dancing live shows|work=]|date=4 April 2014|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>
Forsyth is known for a large number of catchphrases. Below is a list from TV shows. Words in italics are shouted by the audience in reply.
* '''Beat The Clock'''
**“I’m in charge!”
**"Can you come back next week?" (to contestants unable to complete their game)
*'''Generation Game:'''
**“Nice to see you, to see you” – ''Nice!''
**“Give us a twirl” (to the show’s hostess as she walks on the set)
**“Didn’t they do well?”
**“Good game, good game”
**“A cuddly toy!” – ''Aaw!''
**"Let's have a look at the old scoreboard:"
**"What's on the board, ]?"
*'''Strictly Come Dancing:'''
**“Nice to see you, to see you” – ''Nice!''
**“It's time to meet the stars of our show''
**“I'll clear this place!''
**"That'll be the day!"
**“You're my favourites!" (mostly to contestants who have received a negative response from judges)
**“I am not doddery, doddery I am” – ''Not!''
*'''Bruce’s Price Is Right:'''
**"Remember, Bruce's price is always right"
*'''Play Your Cards Right:'''
**“What a lovely audience, so much better than last week!” (the joke being that the show would usually have been recorded after the previous week’s, with the same audience)
**“I’m the leader of the pack, which makes me such a lucky jack, and here they are, they’re so appealing, come on Dollies, do your dealing!”
**“You don’t get anything for a pair” – ''Not in this game!''
**“You win a Brucie Bonus” – ''Woweee!''
**"If the price is wrong, i wouldn't be singing this song"
**“It could still be a big night if you play your cards right”
**“Don’t touch the pack, we’ll be right back”
**“Points make prizes – what do points make?” – ''Prizes!'' This catchphrase was ] by ] on '']''. In introductions to the round ], Lyttelton explained how points were scored, before using the catchphrase with something else substituted for "prizes". He then asked "What do points mean?", at which point the audience was usually split as to whether to reply with what Lyttelton had just said, or "Prizes!". No points were ever scored.
**“Points mean pounds and what do pounds make?” - ''Rich People!'' A variant on previous catchphrase used in the 1990s revival of the show when the contestants played for money rather than prizes.
**"We have our cards, all we need now are our players."


On 7 April 2010, Forsyth became one of the first three celebrities to be subjected to the British version of the American institution of a ], on Channel 4's '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/last-nights-television-bruce-forsyth-a-comedy-roast-channel-4embarrassing-bodies-charlottes-story-1938515.html|title=Last Night's Television: Bruce Forsyth: A Comedy Roast, Channel 4 Embarrassing Bodies: Charlotte's Story, Channel 4|last=Sutcliffe|first=Tom|date=7 April 2010|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> Forsyth was the subject of the ] ] series '']'', broadcast on 19 July 2010.<ref name="wdytya">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00t6gbb|title=Who Do You Think You Are?|access-date=23 July 2010|work=]}}</ref> On 20 March 2010, Forsyth appeared on the autobiography-interview programme '']'', which was broadcast on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/q5ttz/piers-morgans-life-stories--s3-e3-piers-morgans-life-stories-bruce-forsyth/|title=Series 3 – Episode 3 Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Bruce Forsyth|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017|archive-date=18 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818215744/http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/q5ttz/piers-morgans-life-stories--s3-e3-piers-morgans-life-stories-bruce-forsyth/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Selected filmography==


In 2011, Forsyth released a collection of songs on CD called '']''. He chose the songs for their personal and musical importance, including a duet with his granddaughter, Sophie Purdie. ''These Are My Favourites'' also includes a recording of "Paper Moon" with ].<ref name="CD">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a345198/bruce-forsyth-granddaughter-duet-on-album-these-are-my-favourites/|title=Bruce Forsyth, granddaughter duet on album 'These Are My Favourites'|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=12 October 2011|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"

==Tributes and honours==
], Enfield, in October 2009]]
Forsyth's showbiz awards include ] Show Business Personality of the Year in 1975; '']'' Male TV Personality of the Year, in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978; and BBC TV Personality of the Year in 1991.<ref>. ]. 18 August 2017</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/dec/22/broadcasting.comment |title=Profile: Bruce Forsyth |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>

On 7 June 1959 Forsyth was inducted into the elite entertainers' fraternity, the ], Water Rat number 566.<ref>{{cite web|title=SIR BRUCE FORSYTH CBE Blue Collar Rat|url=http://www.gowr.co.uk/all-water-rats/v/216|website=Grand Order of Water Rats|access-date=24 October 2017}}</ref>

In 1987, a fan club was created – the Great Bruce Forsyth Social Club.<ref name="socialclub">{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/plymouth-mourns-sir-bruce-forsyth-after-his-death-aged-89/story-30487940-detail/story.html|title=Plymouth mourns Sir Bruce Forsyth after his death aged 89|date=18 August 2017|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> They would later go on to assist Forsyth in singing his opening number, "It's Never Too Late", at his ''Audience With'' show.<ref name="socialclub"/> He repaid this favour by adding the society to his busy schedule in June 1997 and appeared at their 10th annual general meeting in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sir-bruce-forsyth-fans-meeting-plymouth/story-29233112-detail/story.html|title=Hordes of people obsessed with Sir Bruce Forsyth are going to invade Plymouth|date=5 May 2016|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Forsyth was appointed ] (OBE) in the 1998 Birthday Honours,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=55155 |date=15 June 1998|page=11 |supp=y}}</ref> and ] (CBE) in the 2006 New Year Honours.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=57855 |date=31 December 2005|page=7 |supp=y}}</ref>

On 27 February 2005, the BBC screened ''A ] Tribute to Bruce Forsyth'' to mark the entertainer's 60 years in show business.<ref name="Bust"/> He had a bronze bust of himself unveiled at the ] in May 2005. The sculpture was created by his son-in-law and is on display in the theatre's Cinderella Bar.<ref name="Bust">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/nice-to-see-you-bust-marks-bruce-forsyths-six-decades-in-showbiz-220432.html|title=Nice to see you: bust marks Bruce Forsyth's six decades in showbiz|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>

In 2008, Forsyth received the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7357516.stm|title=Brucie's big night at TV awards|last=Osborn|first=Michael|date=20 April 2008|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> In 2009, he was awarded the Theatre Performer's Award at the annual ]. Hosted by the ], the awards are voted for by the leading dance organisations in the United Kingdom and recognise those who have made an exceptional contribution to the world of dance and theatre.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.idta.co.uk/Site2/PDFs/press_release_carl_alan_awards_2009_results.pdf|title= Results of the 2009 Carl-Alan Awards|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090327093041/http://www.idta.co.uk/Site2/PDFs/press_release_carl_alan_awards_2009_results.pdf|archive-date= 27 March 2009|df= dmy-all}}</ref>

Forsyth received a ] Lifetime Achievement Award on 17 March 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rts.org.uk/programme-awards-winners-2008|title=Programme Awards Winners 2008|year=2009|publisher=Royal Television Society|access-date=6 July 2011}}</ref> On 26 January 2011 he received the ] special recognition award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaltvawards.com/past-winners#y2011|title=Winners 2011|publisher=]|date=26 January 2011|access-date=26 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114201058/http://www.nationaltvawards.com/past-winners#y2011|archive-date=14 November 2010}}</ref>

Forsyth was made a ] in the ] for services to entertainment and charity.<ref name=":0">{{London Gazette|issue=59808|date=11 June 2011|page=1 |supp=y}}</ref> This followed a years-long public campaign to award him a knighthood. His investiture, by the ], took place on 12 October 2011 and he became Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15270608|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth collects knighthood from the Queen|date=12 October 2011|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 October 2011}}</ref>

In July 2012, Forsyth was given the honour of carrying the Olympic flame through London, as it finally reached the city on the penultimate day of the ] Torch Relay.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19004771|title=Olympic torch: BBC greets flame and Sir Bruce Forsyth|last=Hirst|first=Michael|date=26 July 2012|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=3 December 2012}}</ref>

Forsyth earned a place in the 2013 '']'' as the male TV entertainer having had the longest career, calling it a "wonderful surprise".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19516385|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth becomes record breaker|publisher=BBC|date=7 September 2012|access-date=7 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/sir-bruce-forsyth-acknowledged-for-long-career-with-guinness-world-record-8116723.html|title= Sir Bruce Forsyth acknowledged for long career with Guinness World Record
|access-date=7 September 2012 | location=London|work=The Independent|date=7 September 2012}}</ref> He also appeared at the 2013 ] on the Avalon stage, becoming the oldest performer to ever play at the festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/jun/30/bruce-forsyth-glastonbury-2013-review|title=Bruce Forsyth at Glastonbury 2013 – review|first=Paul|last=MacInnes|date=30 June 2013|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> In 2018 the NTAs honoured the memory of Sir Bruce by naming an NTA award after him.

==Personal life==
Forsyth was married to Penny Calvert from 1953 until their divorce in 1973, with whom he had three daughters named Debbie, Julie, and Laura.<ref name="Selby">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/bruce-forsyth-backs-assisted-dying-campaign-if-i-had-alzheimers-or-dementia-i-would-do-something-10189375.html|title=Bruce Forsyth backs assisted dying campaign: 'If I had Alzheimer's or dementia I would do something about it'|last=Selby|first=Jenn|date=20 April 2015|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> Julie is a songwriter, who composed ].

In 1973, he married ], the hostess on ''The Generation Game''. They had daughters Charlotte and Louisa, before they too divorced in 1979. Asked to judge the ], Forsyth met Puerto Rican beauty queen ], who was ] and a fellow judge.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bruce Forsyth|work=The Observer|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/recorddoctor/story/0,,1369014,00.html|date=12 December 2004|location=London|access-date=27 April 2010}}</ref> They were married from 1983<ref name="Selby"/> until his death in 2017. They had one son together named Jonathan Joseph (who is better known as "JJ").<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4521271.stm|title=Forsyth's six decades in limelight|date=6 May 2005|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> By his six children, Forsyth had nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-08-18/bruce-forsyth-not-just-another-british-entertainer-he-was-the-embodiment-of-british-entertainment/|title=Bruce Forsyth: "Not just another British entertainer; he was the embodiment of British entertainment"|last=Glanfield|first=Tim|date=18 August 2017|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>

Forsyth was a supporter and ambassador for the children's charity ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caudwellchildren.com/index.php/news-and-media/celebrity-ambassadors |title=Celebrity ambassadors |publisher=Caudwell Children |access-date=19 October 2013 |archive-date=2 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402044456/http://www.caudwellchildren.com/index.php/news-and-media/celebrity-ambassadors |url-status=dead }}</ref> regularly appearing at many of their fundraising events.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/photo/bruce-forsyth-and-wife-wilnelia-caudwell-children-diamond-butterfly_3919690 |title=Picture – Bruce Forsyth {{pipe}} Photo 3051844 |magazine=Contactmusic.com |access-date=19 October 2013}}</ref>

Forsyth lived on the ] in Surrey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surreylife.co.uk/homes-gardens/property-market/luxury-living-at-the-wentworth-estate-home-to-royalty-business-tycoons-and-sir-bruce-forsyth-1-1648518|title=Luxury living at the Wentworth Estate: home to royalty, business tycoons and Sir Bruce Forsyth|access-date=18 August 2017|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819021911/http://www.surreylife.co.uk/homes-gardens/property-market/luxury-living-at-the-wentworth-estate-home-to-royalty-business-tycoons-and-sir-bruce-forsyth-1-1648518|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/investment/9680349/Top-20-celebrity-retirement-hot-spots.html?frame=2399472|title=Top 20 celebrity retirement hot spots|date=15 November 2012 |access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> Until 2000, he also occupied a flat in ], ], ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114021849/https://www.nellgwynnchelsea.london/ |date=14 January 2018 }} at nellgwynnchelsea.london, accessed 13 January 2018</ref>

==Politics==

Forsyth was a supporter of the Conservative party, admired Margaret Thatcher and attended fund raising events for the party. <ref>https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jul/02/tory-fundraising-party-rightwing-uncultured-cool-britannia-2-cilla</ref>

In August 2014, Forsyth was one of 200 public figures who signed a letter to '']'' expressing their hope that Scotland would vote to remain part of the United Kingdom in September's ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/07/celebrities-open-letter-scotland-independence-full-text |title=Celebrities' open letter to Scotland – full text and list of signatories |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=7 August 2014 |access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref>

==Illness and death==
Towards the end of his life, Forsyth suffered from ill health, which reduced his appearances in public. On 8 October 2015, he was admitted to hospital for cuts and minor concussion after tripping over a rug at his home and hitting his head.<ref>{{cite news|first=Nadia |last=Khomami |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/oct/09/sir-bruce-forsyth-taken-to-hospital-after-fall-at-home |title=Sir Bruce Forsyth taken to hospital after fall at home {{pipe}} Television & radio |work=The Guardian |access-date=21 December 2015}}</ref> A month later, he made his last full TV appearance on '']'',<ref name="Timeline"/> with filming for this taking place prior to him undergoing surgery for an abdominal ] on 12 November.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34855260 |title=Bruce Forsyth recovering after surgery for aneurysm |work= BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 December 2015}}</ref> As a result of his surgery, Forsyth was unable to host that year's ''Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special'' as planned, but a spokesman representing him later stated he would play a part in the production, recording a special video message for it.<ref>{{cite news|last=Foster |first=Patrick |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/12030790/Sir-Bruce-Forsyth-pulls-out-of-Strictly-Come-Dancing-Christmas-special.html |title=Sir Bruce Forsyth pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special over health |work=Telegraph |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=21 December 2015}}</ref>

After 2015, Forsyth made no further public appearances, as his health began to decline, with his wife commenting that he struggled to move easily following his surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11084846|title=Obituary: Sir Bruce Forsyth|date=18 August 2017|publisher=BBC}}</ref> On 26 February 2017, he was again admitted to hospital with a severe chest infection and spent five days in ], before returning home on 3 March 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/03/sir-bruce-forsyth-spends-five-days-intensive-care-chest-infection/|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth spends five days in intensive care with chest infection|date=3 March 2017|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>

On 18 August 2017, Forsyth died of ] at his ] home in ], aged 89.<ref>
{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/aug/18/bruce-forsyth-king-of-uk-gameshows-dies-aged-89|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth: King of UK gameshows dies aged 89|date=18 August 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40978576|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth: TV legend dies aged 89|date=18 August 2017|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> Several celebrities paid tribute to Forsyth following his death, including his former ''Strictly Come Dancing'' co-host ]; his friends ], ], and ], the ] ] and the then Prime Minister, ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40981246|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth: Tributes paid to 'a national hero'|date=18 August 2017|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> ] aired ''Sir Bruce Forsyth&nbsp;– Mr Entertainment'', in place of the scheduled '']'', in tribute.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/18/bbc-one-to-air-tribute-to-bruce-forsyth-in-place-of-the-one-show-in-the-wake-of-his-death-6863145/|title=BBC One to air tribute to Bruce Forsyth in place of The One Show in the wake of his death|last=Westbrook|first=Caroline|work=]|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> Forsyth was cremated on 5 September 2017 in a private ceremony attended only by close family and friends.

A few days later, on 9 September 2017, when that year's series of ''Strictly Come Dancing'' began, it paid tribute to Forsyth with a special ballroom dance routine from their professional dancers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41160807|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth's private funeral held|date=5 September 2017|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref> On 14 December 2017, the BBC announced that it would produce a tribute show to Forsyth at the ] on 21 February 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2017/bruce-a-celebration|title=Bruce: A Celebration to air on BBC One|work=BBC Media Centre|publisher=BBC|date=14 December 2017|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> Hosted by his ''Strictly Come Dancing'' co-host ], ''Sir Bruce: A Celebration'' was broadcast on BBC One on 11 March 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09w3vd9|title=Sir Bruce: A Celebration|work=BBC|access-date=11 March 2018}}</ref> On 18 August 2018, the first anniversary of his death, Forsyth's ashes were laid to rest beneath the stage at the ] in a private ceremony.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2018/0819/986155-bruce-forsythes-ashes-laid-to-rest-at-london-palladium/|title=Bruce Forsyth's ashes laid to rest at London Palladium|date=20 August 2018|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>

==Filmography==
===Film and television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
! Year !! Title !! Notes ! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable"|Notes
|- |-
| 1958–1964 || '']''<ref name="BFI">{{cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b9f18f909|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817082913/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b9f18f909|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 August 2017|title=Bruce Forsyth|publisher=BFI|access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref> || Host || TV series
| 1957 - 1961 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| 1966 || '']'' || TV | 1961 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|- |-
| 1966 <br> 1975 || '']'' || TV | 1965–1973 || ''The Bruce Forsyth Show''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|- |-
| 1966 <br /> 1975 || ''Frankie and Bruce''<ref name="BFI"/> || Co-star || TV movie documentary
| 1969 || '']'' ||
|- |-
| 1971 || '']'' || | 1968 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Arthur Lawrence || Film
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | 1969 || '']'' || Uncle Limelight || Film
| 1971 || '']'' || Avarice Segment
|- |-
| '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || George Pepper || TV movie
| 1971 - 1977 <br> 1990 - 1994 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| rowspan="3" | 1971 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Swinburne, Bookman's henchman || Film
| 1977 ||'']'' ||
|- |-
| '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Clayton || Film<br>(segment "Avarice")
| 1978 - 1980 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| 1978 || '']'' || TV | '']''<ref name="BFI" /> || Host || TV series
|- |-
| 1971–1977 <br /> 1990–1994 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series; 207 episodes
| 1980 - 1987 <br> 1994 - 1999 <br> 2002 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| 1973 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Guest star || TV series
| 1986 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| 1974 || ''Bruce Forsyth Meets Lulu''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/30a855183c86456f9ad573c6c5428778|title=Bruce Forsyth meets Lulu|date=27 May 1974 |publisher=BBC|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref>||Host || TV movie
| 1986 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | 1976 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Bruce Gillespie || TV series
| 1988 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| '']''<ref name="Muppet"/> || Guest star || TV series
| 1989 - 1990 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| 1995 - 2001 || '']'' || TV | 1978 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|- |-
| 1997 || '']'' || TV | 1980 || ''Sammy and Bruce''<ref name="BFI"/> || Co-star || TV movie
|- |-
| 1980–1987 <br /> 1994–1999 <br /> 2002–2003 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
| 2000 || '']'' || TV
|- |-
| 2003 || '']'' || TV / Guest Appearance | 1983 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Alfred Batt || TV series
|- |-
| 1984 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
| 2003 || '']'' || DVD / Guest Appearance on ''Have I Got News for You'' DVD
|- |-
| 2004 - Present || '']'' || TV | rowspan="2" | 1986 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/>|| Host || TV series
|- |-
| '']'' || Lottery Host || TV series<br>Episode: "A Little Bit of Luck...A Little Bit of Grief"
| 2007 || '']'' || TV
|-
| 1986–1987 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Cecil Slinger || TV series
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1988 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Co-host with ] || TV series
|-
| ''Bruce and Ronnie''<ref name="BFI"/> || Co-star || TV series
|-
| 1988–1990 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|-
| 1990–1991 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|-
| 1992 || ''Fiddly Foodle Bird''<ref name="BFI" /> || Narrator || TV series
|-
| 1992–1993 || ''Bruce's Guest Night''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|-
| 1995–2001 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|-
| 1997 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV special
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2000 || ''House!''<ref name="BFI"/> || Himself || Film, (final film role)
|-
| '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|-
| 2003, 2010 || '']''<ref name="hignfy"/>|| Guest Host || TV series
|-
| 2004 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV series
|-
| 2004–2013, 2014–15 specials || '']''<ref group="note">He was co host for three specials after 2013 – the Children in Need specials in 2014 and 2015, and the 2014 Christmas Special. He made a guest appearance for the 2015 Christmas Special via Video Message, which was his final television appearance.</ref><ref name="BFI"/> || Co-host with '']'' || TV series
|-
| 2010 || '']''<ref name="wdytya"/>|| Guest || TV series documentary
|-
| 2011 || '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/the_rob_brydon_show/episodes/2/|title=The Rob Brydon Show|publisher=Comedy.co.uk|access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>|| Guest || TV series
|-
| 2012 || '']''<ref name="BFI"/> || Guest (With Ant & Dec) || TV special
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2013 || '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/saturdaynighttakeaway/videos/little-ant-dec-bruce-forsyth|title=Little Ant and Dec meet Bruce Forsyth|publisher=ITV.com|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref> (Little Ant & Dec segment) || Guest || TV series
|-
| ''When Miranda Met Bruce''<ref name="BFI"/> || Guest star || TV special
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2014 || '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep6week22/perspectives|title=Perspectives episode 6|publisher=ITV|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref>|| Host || TV series documentary
|-
| ''Bruce's Hall of Fame''<ref name="BFI"/> || Host || TV movie
|} |}


===Stage===
==Selected discography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* '''''Mr. Entertainment''''' (2007 EMI Records, UK)
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable"|Notes
|-
| 1958–2004 || One-man show which had various titles|| Himself || Intermittently toured UK<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/bruce-forsyth-proves-can-still-9133895|title=Bruce Forsyth proves he can still work a crowd as he entertains Cardiff audience|first=Bob|last=Rogers|date=28 April 2015|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/aug/18/sir-bruce-forsyth-obituary|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth obituary: a TV presenter in a class of his own|first=Michael|last=Coveney|date=18 August 2017|access-date=19 August 2017|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>
|-
| 1962 || ''Every Night at the Palladium''<ref>{{cite book|title=Bruce:The Autobiography|first=Bruce|last=Forsyth|isbn=9780330475945|date=6 September 2012|publisher=Pan Macmillan }}</ref>||Himself || Starred with '']'' in a season at the ]
|-
| 1964 || '']''<ref name="guardianobit">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/aug/18/sir-bruce-forsyth-obituary|title=Sir Bruce Forsyth obituary|newspaper=Guardian|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref>||Various Characters || A 334 performance season at the ]
|-
| 1978 || ''The Traveling Music Show''<ref name="guardianobit"/>||Fred Limelight || A four-month season at ], before touring the UK
|-
| 1979 || ''Bruce Forsyth on Broadway''<ref name="guardianobit"/>|| Himself || A five performance season of his one-man show at the ] from 12–17 June
|-
| 2012–2015 || ''Bruce Forsyth Entertains''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uktw.co.uk/archive/Tour/One/Bruce-Forsyth-Bruce-Forsyth-Entertains/T668774093/|title=Tour archive for Bruce Forsyth|publisher=untw.co.uk|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref>|| Himself || Toured the UK
|}

==Discography==
===Albums===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album details
! scope="col"| Peak chart positions
|-
! scope="col" style="width:6em;font-size:85%;"| ]
|-
! scope="row" | ''Mister Entertainment''
|
* Released: 1960
* Label: ]: PMC 1132 (Mono) / PCS 3013 (Stereo)
| —
|-
! scope="row" | ''The Musical Side of Bruce''
|
* Released: 1973
* Label: ]: NSPL 18405
| —
|-
! scope="row" | ''Both Sides of Bruce (Live)''
|
* Released: 1977
* Label: ]
| —
|-
! scope="row" | ''Come Get It!''
|
* Released: 1979
* Label: Pye
| —
|-
! scope="row" | ''Mr. Entertainment''
|
* Released: 19 March 2007
* Label: ]
| —
|-
! scope="row" | '']''<ref name="CD"/>
|
* Released: 7 November 2011
* Label: EMI
| 58
|}

===Singles===
*1959, "Excerpts from '']'' (No. 2)", with ], ], ], The Williams Singers, Michael Collins and His Orchestra (7-inch EP), ]: 7EG 8676<ref name="discogs"/>
*1960, "I'm a Good Boy", ]<ref name="discogs">{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/644069-Bruce-Forsyth?filter_anv=0&subtype=Singles-EPs&type=Releases|title=Bruce Forsyth discography|publisher=Discogs.com|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref>
* 1960, "I'm in Charge" (7-inch), Parlophone: 45-R 4535<ref name="discogs"/>
* 1962, "The Oh-Be-Joyfuls (7-inch), ]: 7N.35086<ref name="discogs"/>
* 1964, "Real Live Girl" (7-inch), ]: 7N.15744<ref name="discogs"/>
* 1964, "Saturday Sunshine" (7-inch), Piccadilly: 7N.35169<ref name="discogs"/>
* 1964, "The Mysterious People" (7-inch), Piccadilly: 1189<ref name="discogs"/>
* 1965, "Real Live Girl" (7-inch), Blue Cat: BC 105<ref name="discogs"/>
* 1968, "]" / "There's Not Enough Love in the World", Pye<ref name="discogs"/>
* 1973, "Didn't He Do Well?" (7-inch), ]: 6006 285<ref name="discogs"/>
* 1978, "Love Medley", with Valerie Walsh (7), CBS: S CBS 6469<ref name="discogs"/>


==In popular culture==
], a ], had a collectible character which was originally a direct representation of Forsyth himself. The pet was later renamed to just "Bruce" and his appearance changed to that of a penguin to better fit with the other pets on the platform. Despite the change, the pet retained Forsyth's iconic bow tie.<ref name="wiredneopets">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2005/12/neopets/|title=The Neopets Addiction|magazine=Wired |access-date=3 August 2020|last1=Kushner |first1=David }}</ref><ref name="oldneopets">{{cite web|url=https://bookofages.jellyneo.net/history/old-pets/?species=bruce|title=Old Neopets – Bruce|publisher=bookofages.jellyneo.net|access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref>


==Footnotes==
* '''''Both Sides of Bruce (Live)''''' (1977 Warner Brothers Records, UK)
{{reflist|group=note}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}
{{wikiquote}}
* at the ]
*
*{{imdb name|id=0287028|name=Bruce Forsyth}} *{{IMDb name|287028}}
*{{Discogs artist}}
*
*{{British Comedy Guide|people|bruce_forsyth}}
*


{{Navboxes
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|title = Awards for Bruce Forsyth
{{succession box |
|list =
before= None|
{{BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award}}
title=Host of '']''|
{{National Television Award for Special Recognition}}
years=1971–77|
after= ]|
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title=Host of '']''|
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after= ]|
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after= ]|
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<!-- Metadata: see ] -->
{{Persondata
|NAME= Forsyth, Bruce
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES= Forsyth-Johnson, Bruce Joseph; Forsyth, Bruce, ]; Forsyth, Bruce, ]; Brucey
|SHORT DESCRIPTION= ], ], ], ], ]
|DATE OF BIRTH= 1928-2-22
|PLACE OF BIRTH= ], ]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Forsyth, Bruce}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Forsyth, Bruce}}
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Latest revision as of 20:10, 31 December 2024

British entertainer and presenter (1928–2017)

SirBruce ForsythCBE
Forsyth in 2006
BornBruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson
(1928-02-22)22 February 1928
Edmonton, England
Died18 August 2017(2017-08-18) (aged 89)
Virginia Water, England
Resting placeLondon Palladium
Other namesBoy Bruce, the Mighty Atom
Brucie
Occupations
  • Presenter
  • actor
  • comedian
  • singer
  • dancer
  • screenwriter
Years active1939–2015
Spouses
Penny Calvert ​ ​(m. 1953; div. 1973)
Anthea Redfern ​ ​(m. 1973; div. 1979)
Wilnelia Merced ​(m. 1983)
Children6
Relatives
AwardsKnight Bachelor (2011)
Military career
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service / branchRoyal Air Force
Years of service1947–1949
UnitFilm Unit

Sir Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson (22 February 1928 – 18 August 2017) was an English entertainer and television presenter whose career spanned more than 75 years.

Forsyth came to national attention from the late 1950s through the ITV series Sunday Night at the London Palladium. He went on to host several game shows, including The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right, The Price Is Right and You Bet!. He co-presented Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2013.

During his time as host of The Generation Game, Forsyth began using what would become his signature 'call and response' greeting with the studio audience, "It's nice to see you, to see you...", to which the audience would loudly reply, "Nice!"; he used this on many shows he later hosted for the rest of his career. Forsyth was also known for his "The Thinker" pose, emulating Rodin's sculpture, which he used on many shows he later hosted.

Forsyth was made a Knight Bachelor in the 2011 Birthday Honours for services to entertainment and charity. In 2012, Guinness World Records recognised Forsyth as having the longest television career for a male entertainer.

Early life

Forsyth was born on Victoria Road in Edmonton, Middlesex, on 22 February 1928, the son of Florence Ada (née Pocknell) and John Thomas Forsyth-Johnson. His family owned a car repair garage and, as members of the Salvation Army, his parents played brass instruments; his mother was a singer.

His great-grandfather Joseph Forsyth Johnson was a landscape architect who worked in several countries, and Bruce believed that his great-great-great-great-grandfather was William Forsyth (1737–1804) a founder of the Royal Horticultural Society and the namesake of the plant genus Forsythia. However both of William's sons died without heirs so William had no direct descendants.

Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Forsyth was evacuated to Clacton-on-Sea. Shortly after he arrived, Forsyth's parents allowed him to return to London because he felt homesick. On 21 May 1943, Forsyth's older brother John, who was serving as a pilot in the Royal Air Force, was killed aged 20 during a training exercise at RAF Turnberry; he is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. Forsyth attended the Latymer School. After watching Fred Astaire in films at the age of eight, he trained in dance in Tottenham and then Brixton.

Career

Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom

Forsyth started his live public performances aged 14, with a song, dance and accordion act called Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom. His first appearance was at the Theatre Royal in Bilston, with The Great Marzo at the top of the bill. He had made his television debut in 1939 as a child, singing and dancing on BBC talent show Come and Be Televised, broadcast from Radiolympia and introduced by Jasmine Bligh.

Post-war work

After the war, with the goal of joining Moss Empires theatres, he spent years on stage with little success and travelled the UK working seven days a week, doing summer seasons, pantomimes and circuses, where he became renowned for his strong-man act. His act was interrupted by national service when he was conscripted into the Royal Air Force at the age of 19, which he later reflected taught him "respect and discipline".

In 1958, an appearance with the comedian Dickie Henderson led to his being offered the job of compère of Val Parnell's weekly TV variety show, Sunday Night at the London Palladium. He hosted the show for two years, followed by a year's break, then returned for another year. His schedule of stage performances, which continued throughout the 1960s, forced him to give up the job of host.

Forsyth on front of "Every Night at the Palladium" souvenir brochure, 1962

Forsyth appeared in the London production of Little Me, along with Avril Angers in 1964. In the musical film Star! (1968), a biopic of stage actress Gertrude Lawrence, he played alongside lead performer Julie Andrews as Lawrence's father.

In January 1968 Pye Records issued as a single "I'm Backing Britain", supporting the campaign of the same name, written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, and sung by Forsyth. The chorus included "The feeling is growing, so let's keep it going, the good times are blowing our way". All involved in making the single took cuts in their fees or royalties so that the single sold for 5s. instead of the going rate of 7s. 4+1⁄2d. Forsyth happily endorsed the campaign, saying "The country has always done its best when it is up against the wall. If everyone realises what we are up against we can get out of trouble easily." The song did not make the charts, selling only 7,319 copies.

On 7 October 1968, he was top of the bill on the opening night of the Golden Garter nightclub, Wythenshawe. Two years later, he played Swinburne in the Disney fantasy film Bedknobs and Broomsticks. In 1976, he appeared on The Muppet Show, where he took on the duo Statler and Waldorf.

Game show host

During his spell of hosting Sunday Night at the London Palladium as part of the show he hosted the 15-minute game show Beat the Clock. Forsyth's next success was The Generation Game (BBC1, 1971–1977, 1990–1994), which proved popular and attracted huge Saturday evening audiences. It was on this show that Forsyth introduced his "The Thinker" pose, emulating Rodin's sculpture, appearing in silhouette each week after the opening titles. This pose is reminiscent of the circus strong-man attitude, and Forsyth used it on many shows he later hosted. He also wrote and sang the theme for the show "Life is the Name of the Game." Millions of viewers became familiar with the rasp of Forsyth's north London accented voice and his "distinctively pointy" chin that he emphasised in poses such as the "human question mark", with chin over raised knee. During his time as host of The Generation Game he began using what would become his signature 'call and response' greeting with the studio audience, "It's nice to see you, to see you...", to which the audience would loudly reply, "Nice!"; he used this on many shows he later hosted for the rest of his career. He was replaced on The Generation Game by Larry Grayson.

In 1977 he announced that he was leaving television to take the star role in a new musical, The Travelling Music Show, based on the songs of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. The show did reasonably well in provincial theatre, but received poor reviews when it moved to London and it closed after four months in July 1978.

London Weekend Television persuaded him to return to the screen later that year to present Bruce Forsyth's Big Night, a two-hour Saturday-night show on ITV encompassing a variety of different entertainment formats (later reduced to 90 minutes). However, the show was not a success and lasted for just one series. Forsyth remained with ITV, hosting the game show Play Your Cards Right, which was the UK version of the US original Card Sharks, from 1980 to 1987, 1994 to 1999, and a brief period from 2002 to 2003, before the show was pulled mid-run.

In 1986, he went to the United States to host a game show on ABC, Bruce Forsyth's Hot Streak, which ran for 65 episodes from January to April that year. Shortly after, Forsyth was considered by Mark Goodson to be a candidate for hosting the revival of ''Card Sharks''; ultimately the jobs went to Bob Eubanks (for the daytime version that aired on CBS), and Bill Rafferty (who hosted the night-time syndicated version). Forsyth starred in the Thames Television sitcom Slinger's Day in 1986 and 1987, a sequel to Tripper's Day which had starred Leonard Rossiter, whom Forsyth replaced in the new show. He was the original host of You Bet! (1988 to 1990).

Forsyth fronted the third version of The Price Is Right (1995 to 2001). His unsuccessful gameshows include Takeover Bid (1990 to 1991), Hollywood Or Bust (1984), and Didn't They Do Well! (2004). During the 1970s Forsyth featured in the Stork margarine adverts on television, and then during the 1980s and 1990s he appeared in an advertising campaign for the furniture retailer Courts, in which he dressed as a judge.

Forsyth celebrated his 70th birthday in 1998 and appeared in a week-long run of his one-man show at the London Palladium. In 2000, Forsyth hosted a revived series called Tonight at the London Palladium.

Career revival

In 2003, and again in 2010, Forsyth was a guest presenter on the news and satire quiz show Have I Got News for You. Forsyth had called Paul Merton, one of the team captains on the show, to suggest himself as a guest presenter. He co-presented Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2013, formally stepping down from hosting the regular live show in April 2014. This decision was made to reduce his workload and for the preparation of pre-recorded specials.

On 7 April 2010, Forsyth became one of the first three celebrities to be subjected to the British version of the American institution of a comedy roast, on Channel 4's A Comedy Roast. Forsyth was the subject of the BBC genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are?, broadcast on 19 July 2010. On 20 March 2010, Forsyth appeared on the autobiography-interview programme Piers Morgan's Life Stories, which was broadcast on ITV.

In 2011, Forsyth released a collection of songs on CD called These Are My Favourites. He chose the songs for their personal and musical importance, including a duet with his granddaughter, Sophie Purdie. These Are My Favourites also includes a recording of "Paper Moon" with Nat King Cole.

Tributes and honours

Forsyth opening The Sir Bruce Forsyth Auditorium at the Millfield Theatre, Enfield, in October 2009

Forsyth's showbiz awards include Variety Club Show Business Personality of the Year in 1975; TV Times Male TV Personality of the Year, in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978; and BBC TV Personality of the Year in 1991.

On 7 June 1959 Forsyth was inducted into the elite entertainers' fraternity, the Grand Order of Water Rats, Water Rat number 566.

In 1987, a fan club was created – the Great Bruce Forsyth Social Club. They would later go on to assist Forsyth in singing his opening number, "It's Never Too Late", at his Audience With show. He repaid this favour by adding the society to his busy schedule in June 1997 and appeared at their 10th annual general meeting in Plymouth.

Forsyth was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1998 Birthday Honours, and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2006 New Year Honours.

On 27 February 2005, the BBC screened A BAFTA Tribute to Bruce Forsyth to mark the entertainer's 60 years in show business. He had a bronze bust of himself unveiled at the London Palladium in May 2005. The sculpture was created by his son-in-law and is on display in the theatre's Cinderella Bar.

In 2008, Forsyth received the BAFTA Fellowship. In 2009, he was awarded the Theatre Performer's Award at the annual Carl Alan Awards. Hosted by the International Dance Teachers' Association, the awards are voted for by the leading dance organisations in the United Kingdom and recognise those who have made an exceptional contribution to the world of dance and theatre.

Forsyth received a Royal Television Society Lifetime Achievement Award on 17 March 2009. On 26 January 2011 he received the National Television Awards special recognition award.

Forsyth was made a Knight Bachelor in the 2011 Birthday Honours for services to entertainment and charity. This followed a years-long public campaign to award him a knighthood. His investiture, by the Queen, took place on 12 October 2011 and he became Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE.

In July 2012, Forsyth was given the honour of carrying the Olympic flame through London, as it finally reached the city on the penultimate day of the London 2012 Torch Relay.

Forsyth earned a place in the 2013 Guinness Book of World Records as the male TV entertainer having had the longest career, calling it a "wonderful surprise". He also appeared at the 2013 Glastonbury Festival on the Avalon stage, becoming the oldest performer to ever play at the festival. In 2018 the NTAs honoured the memory of Sir Bruce by naming an NTA award after him.

Personal life

Forsyth was married to Penny Calvert from 1953 until their divorce in 1973, with whom he had three daughters named Debbie, Julie, and Laura. Julie is a songwriter, who composed the UK's entry in the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest.

In 1973, he married Anthea Redfern, the hostess on The Generation Game. They had daughters Charlotte and Louisa, before they too divorced in 1979. Asked to judge the 1980 Miss World competition, Forsyth met Puerto Rican beauty queen Wilnelia Merced, who was the 1975 winner and a fellow judge. They were married from 1983 until his death in 2017. They had one son together named Jonathan Joseph (who is better known as "JJ"). By his six children, Forsyth had nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Forsyth was a supporter and ambassador for the children's charity Caudwell Children, regularly appearing at many of their fundraising events.

Forsyth lived on the Wentworth Estate in Surrey. Until 2000, he also occupied a flat in Nell Gwynn House, Sloane Avenue, Chelsea.

Politics

Forsyth was a supporter of the Conservative party, admired Margaret Thatcher and attended fund raising events for the party.

In August 2014, Forsyth was one of 200 public figures who signed a letter to The Guardian expressing their hope that Scotland would vote to remain part of the United Kingdom in September's referendum on that issue.

Illness and death

Towards the end of his life, Forsyth suffered from ill health, which reduced his appearances in public. On 8 October 2015, he was admitted to hospital for cuts and minor concussion after tripping over a rug at his home and hitting his head. A month later, he made his last full TV appearance on Strictly Children in Need Special, with filming for this taking place prior to him undergoing surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm on 12 November. As a result of his surgery, Forsyth was unable to host that year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special as planned, but a spokesman representing him later stated he would play a part in the production, recording a special video message for it.

After 2015, Forsyth made no further public appearances, as his health began to decline, with his wife commenting that he struggled to move easily following his surgery. On 26 February 2017, he was again admitted to hospital with a severe chest infection and spent five days in intensive care, before returning home on 3 March 2017.

On 18 August 2017, Forsyth died of bronchial pneumonia at his Wentworth Estate home in Virginia Water, aged 89. Several celebrities paid tribute to Forsyth following his death, including his former Strictly Come Dancing co-host Tess Daly; his friends Michael Parkinson, Jimmy Tarbuck, and Des O'Connor, the BBC director general Tony Hall and the then Prime Minister, Theresa May. BBC One aired Sir Bruce Forsyth – Mr Entertainment, in place of the scheduled The One Show, in tribute. Forsyth was cremated on 5 September 2017 in a private ceremony attended only by close family and friends.

A few days later, on 9 September 2017, when that year's series of Strictly Come Dancing began, it paid tribute to Forsyth with a special ballroom dance routine from their professional dancers. On 14 December 2017, the BBC announced that it would produce a tribute show to Forsyth at the London Palladium on 21 February 2018. Hosted by his Strictly Come Dancing co-host Tess Daly, Sir Bruce: A Celebration was broadcast on BBC One on 11 March 2018. On 18 August 2018, the first anniversary of his death, Forsyth's ashes were laid to rest beneath the stage at the London Palladium in a private ceremony.

Filmography

Film and television

Year Title Role Notes
1958–1964 Sunday Night at the London Palladium Host TV series
1961 The Royal Variety Performance Host TV series
1965–1973 The Bruce Forsyth Show Host TV series
1966
1975
Frankie and Bruce Co-star TV movie documentary
1968 Star! Arthur Lawrence Film
1969 Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness? Uncle Limelight Film
Red Peppers George Pepper TV movie
1971 Bedknobs and Broomsticks Swinburne, Bookman's henchman Film
The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins Clayton Film
(segment "Avarice")
The Royal Variety Performance Host TV series
1971–1977
1990–1994
The Generation Game Host TV series; 207 episodes
1973 The Good Old Days Guest star TV series
1974 Bruce Forsyth Meets Lulu Host TV movie
1976 The Mating Season Bruce Gillespie TV series
The Muppet Show Guest star TV series
1978 Bruce Forsyth's Big Night Host TV series
1980 Sammy and Bruce Co-star TV movie
1980–1987
1994–1999
2002–2003
Play Your Cards Right Host TV series
1983 Anna Pavlova Alfred Batt TV series
1984 Hollywood or Bust Host TV series
1986 Bruce Forsyth's Hot Streak Host TV series
Magnum, P.I. Lottery Host TV series
Episode: "A Little Bit of Luck...A Little Bit of Grief"
1986–1987 Slinger's Day Cecil Slinger TV series
1988 The Royal Variety Performance Co-host with Ronnie Corbett TV series
Bruce and Ronnie Co-star TV series
1988–1990 You Bet! Host TV series
1990–1991 Takeover Bid Host TV series
1992 Fiddly Foodle Bird Narrator TV series
1992–1993 Bruce's Guest Night Host TV series
1995–2001 Bruce's Price Is Right Host TV series
1997 An Audience with Bruce Forsyth Host TV special
2000 House! Himself Film, (final film role)
Tonight at the London Palladium Host TV series
2003, 2010 Have I Got News for You Guest Host TV series
2004 Didn't They Do Well Host TV series
2004–2013, 2014–15 specials Strictly Come Dancing Co-host with Tess Daly TV series
2010 Who Do You Think You Are? Guest TV series documentary
2011 The Rob Brydon Show Guest TV series
2012 National Television Awards Guest (With Ant & Dec) TV special
2013 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway (Little Ant & Dec segment) Guest TV series
When Miranda Met Bruce Guest star TV special
2014 Perspectives: Bruce Forsyth on Sammy Davis Jr Host TV series documentary
Bruce's Hall of Fame Host TV movie

Stage

Year Title Role Notes
1958–2004 One-man show which had various titles Himself Intermittently toured UK
1962 Every Night at the Palladium Himself Starred with Morecambe and Wise in a season at the London Palladium
1964 Little Me Various Characters A 334 performance season at the Cambridge Theatre
1978 The Traveling Music Show Fred Limelight A four-month season at Her Majesty's Theatre, before touring the UK
1979 Bruce Forsyth on Broadway Himself A five performance season of his one-man show at the Winter Garden Theatre from 12–17 June
2012–2015 Bruce Forsyth Entertains Himself Toured the UK

Discography

Albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
Mister Entertainment
  • Released: 1960
  • Label: Parlophone: PMC 1132 (Mono) / PCS 3013 (Stereo)
The Musical Side of Bruce
  • Released: 1973
  • Label: Pye: NSPL 18405
Both Sides of Bruce (Live)
Come Get It!
  • Released: 1979
  • Label: Pye
Mr. Entertainment
  • Released: 19 March 2007
  • Label: EMI
These Are My Favourites
  • Released: 7 November 2011
  • Label: EMI
58

Singles

  • 1959, "Excerpts from The Desert Song (No. 2)", with June Bronhill, Edmund Hockridge, Inia Te Wiata, The Williams Singers, Michael Collins and His Orchestra (7-inch EP), His Master's Voice: 7EG 8676
  • 1960, "I'm a Good Boy", Parlophone
  • 1960, "I'm in Charge" (7-inch), Parlophone: 45-R 4535
  • 1962, "The Oh-Be-Joyfuls (7-inch), Piccadilly: 7N.35086
  • 1964, "Real Live Girl" (7-inch), Pye: 7N.15744
  • 1964, "Saturday Sunshine" (7-inch), Piccadilly: 7N.35169
  • 1964, "The Mysterious People" (7-inch), Piccadilly: 1189
  • 1965, "Real Live Girl" (7-inch), Blue Cat: BC 105
  • 1968, "I'm Backing Britain" / "There's Not Enough Love in the World", Pye
  • 1973, "Didn't He Do Well?" (7-inch), Philips: 6006 285
  • 1978, "Love Medley", with Valerie Walsh (7), CBS: S CBS 6469

In popular culture

Neopets, a virtual pet website, had a collectible character which was originally a direct representation of Forsyth himself. The pet was later renamed to just "Bruce" and his appearance changed to that of a penguin to better fit with the other pets on the platform. Despite the change, the pet retained Forsyth's iconic bow tie.

Footnotes

  1. He was co host for three specials after 2013 – the Children in Need specials in 2014 and 2015, and the 2014 Christmas Special. He made a guest appearance for the 2015 Christmas Special via Video Message, which was his final television appearance.

References

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External links

Awards for Bruce Forsyth
BAFTA Fellowship Award
1971–2000
2001–present
National Television Award for Special Recognition
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