Comedy legend Mike Yarwood OBE dies aged 82
British TV star Mike Yarwood, one of the nation’s greatest impressionists and comedians, has died, leaving a huge gap in the world of entertainment. Yarwood’s career spanned decades, dazzling audiences with spot-on impersonations of politicians and celebrities.
From Bredbury to TV stardom
Born June 14, 1941, in Bredbury, Mike Yarwood burst onto the small screen in the 1960s. His big break came on the legendary variety show Sunday Night at the London Palladium in 1964, where he nailed impressions of then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson — a role that became his trademark.
King of impressions in the 70s
In the 1970s, Yarwood joined TV royalty including Bruce Forsyth, Morecambe and Wise, and The Two Ronnies in dominating British screens. His razor-sharp mimicry of figures like Eddie Waring, Brian Clough, Robin Day, and Ted Heath made him a household name. His Harold Wilson act was a cultural icon.
Later career and challenges
Though his TV star dimmed in the late 1980s, with his Thames TV show axed in 1987, Yarwood never disappeared. He returned occasionally to TV, including a memorable stint on Have I Got News for You in 1995. Yarwood admitted that later political leaders like John Major and Tony Blair were tough to parody — “nice guys” don’t make for great comedy.
Legacy and final farewell
In 2021, his classic Christmas shows were rebroadcast on That’s TV, giving fans a nostalgic treat. Mike Yarwood’s sudden death on September 8, 2023, ends an era in British comedy. His legendary impersonations and unforgettable performances have left a lasting impression on audiences at home and around the world.
