Les Dennis leads the tributes to his hero Mike Yarwood after comedian's death
The showbiz world has been paying tribute to Mike Yarwood following the death of comedian and impersonator famed for his impressions of a young King Charles.
Future Strictly Come Dancing star Les Dennis, impressionist Jon, David Baddiel, radio legend Tony Blackburn and many more all shared their memories of the late entertainer as the Royal Variety Charity announced Mike had passed away in hospital at the age of 82.
Mike was one of the biggest stars of the 1970s with hit BBC shows and was famous for his impressions of former prime ministers Harold Wilson and Ted Heath, as well as the King of England, then known as Prince Charles. The Royal Variety Charity described Mike as "an icon in the comedy world" when announcing his death on Friday.
Taking to Twitter (aka X) in the early hours of Saturday morning, Les Dennis remembered the late star as one of his of his comedy heroes, penning: "Mike Yarwood was my hero growing up. I wanted to do what he did. All impressionists copied him until they developed their own style. He was simply the best. Sympathies with his family. RIP. And this is me."
Tributes have been pouring in for the much-loved late star (Mirrorpix)Jon Culshaw - known for his impressions of politicians and members of the Royal Family - also credited Mike as an inspiration, tweeting: "So full of sorrow and sadness to learn that dear Mike Yarwood has left us.. The Godfather of impressions on TV. First to have all the multi cameras & split screens which he used ingeniously to make all his characters burst into vivid life. An inspiration and a wonderful soul xx." Jon's words were accompanied with a picture of himself with the late star.
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"The show that I remember most often watching with my mum and dad and brothers in the 1970s was Mike Yarwood’s," David Baddiel told his Twitter followers as he added to the wave of online tributes. "It’s hard to overestimate what a fixture he was on British screens then. RIP."
Rory Bremner tweeted: "Heavens. Can’t believe Mike Yarwood’s died. I was recording an interview for a C5 tribute to him 4 hours ago. @jonculshaw & Alistair McG did pieces too. He was the Gov’nor. Inspired us, propelled impressionists up the bill & was the court jester of the ‘golden age’ of TV…"
The Royal Variety Charity announced Mike's death in a statement on Friday night, saying: "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.
"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. Mike’s family have asked that their privacy be respected during this sad and difficult time."
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