Piers Morgan thanks Mike Yarwood 'for all the laughs' as he remembers late star
Piers Morgan joined celebrities like Les Dennis and David Baddiel in paying tribute to the late comedian Mike Yarwood on Friday night.
Former Good Morning Britain anchor Piers, 58, thanked Mike "for all the laughs" as he remembered the comic on social media, following the Royal Variety Charity announcing Mike's death. Mike, famed for his impressions of a young King Charles, passed away in hospital at the age of 82.
The Royal Variety Charity broke the news of Mike's death in a statement on Friday night, sharing: "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."
Mike Yarwood was an inspiration to many fellow comedians and impressionistsOn Twitter, renamed X by owner Elon Musk, the Royal Variety Charity shared a picture of Mike meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II as they posted a condensed version of the statement. Piers quote-tweeted the tribute and added: "Sad news. Massive TV star when I was growing up, and such a gifted comedian & impressionist. RIP Mike, and thanks for all the laughs."
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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. Other impressions included cheeky homages to Brian Clough, Frank Spencer and Magnus Pyke.
As news of Mike's death broke on Friday night, stars from the world of comedy took to their Twitter accounts to remember the late star and reveal how he acted as an inspiration for their own careers. Les Dennis, who is set to appear on this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, tweeted: "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."
Impressionist Jon Culshaw shared a snap of himself meeting Mike with his Twitter followers on Friday, adding: "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."
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