- Born
- Died
- Birth nameDesmond Bernard O'Connor
- Height5′ 10½″ (1.79 m)
- Brought up on Northampton where he had his first job and played football for Northampton Town. He joined the RAF and on completing his service became a Butlin Redcoat and began to learn the rudiments of comedy which led him to become a professional. After 6 years he got his first big television break as host of 'Spot That Tune' then compere on 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium' In 1966 he compered the Royal Variety Show. His first record, 'Careless Hands' got to number 3 in the top ten, his second, 'I Pretend' also got into the top ten.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Tonyman 5
- SpousesJodie Brooke Wilson(September 23, 2007 - November 14, 2020) (his death, 1 child)Jay Rufer(1985 - 1990) (divorced, 1 child)Gillian Vaughan(1960 - 1982) (divorced, 2 children)Phyllis Gill(1953 - 1959) (divorced, 1 child)
- Had a car accident as a child and his parents were told he'd never walk. His father caught him standing without his calipers and proclaimed 'that if he can stand, he can walk.'
- O'Connor opened for Buddy Holly in his sole appearance in England. Holly, in a letter to his wife said "Show was great but the comedian wasn't very good".
- O'Connor replaced Russell Grant in the West End musical The Wizard of Oz as Professor Marvel, Doorman at the Emerald City, Tour Guide and the Wizard.
- O'Connor has had a successful career as a singer, recording 36 albums, five of which reached the Top 40 of the UK Albums Chart.
- Before his break in television, his first theatre appearances were in variety, where he appeared in venues throughout the country.
- I believe in mixing new talent with established superstars. People know what they get when they tune into my show - an hour of class entertainment.
- [on his showbiz career] If it ever became work, I'd pack it up. I've never done a day's work in my life.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content