Showbiz pays tribute to ‘all-time great entertainer’ Max Bygraves

The entertainment world has paid tribute to showbiz giant Max Bygraves.

The 89-year-old comedian, singer and variety performer, whose catchphrase was “I wanna tell you a story”, died peacefully in his sleep at home in Hope Island, Queensland, Australia.

Born Walter Bygraves in south London in 1922, he adopted the name Max after his hero Max Miller, going on to appear in dozens of films and stage shows during a long-running career.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His close friend, comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, said: “He was one of the greats of British entertainment.

“I have nothing but lovely memories of him. He was a big, big influence on me.”

Tarbuck told BBC News: “He had the audience in the palm of his hand quicker than any other comedian I have seen.

“They loved him and you don’t get that love very often.

“He would stroll on and just wow them. He was one of the all-time greats of British entertainment – a king of the Palladium.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He would have them roaring with laughter, singing along and with a tear in their eye.”

Actress Barbara Windsor told the Sunday Mirror: “The public absolutely loved him.

“Some people thought he just walked out on stage and did his thing, but he had the whole package. He was incredibly talented.”

Comedian Ken Dodd described Bygraves as a “magical performer”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He told BBC News: “He was absolutely brilliant – an excellent comedian, a very good singer and quite a good actor.

“Yes, he was a giant of showbusiness, a wonderful, wonderful man.”

Veteran entertainer Des O’Connor said he wrote to Bygraves when starting out on his own career and was touched when he replied with a two-page handwritten letter full of advice.

Cockney Bygraves and his wife had moved from their home in Poole, Dorset, to Australia several years ago to take advantage of the warm climate.

Related topics: