- Mike Yarwood, Renowned Impersonator, Dies at 82
- Record-Breaking Christmas Day Audience for “The Mike Yarwood Show”
- Tributes Pour in for the “King of Impressionists”
According to the Royal Variety Charity, Yarwood “quickly rose to prominence for his exceptional ability to imitate the voices and mannerisms of countless celebrities and public figures.”
The comedian and impersonator Mike Yarwood has perished at the age of 82, according to the Royal Variety Charity.
He became famous in the 1960s and 1970s for impersonating legislators and other public personalities, which drew large TV viewers.
“The Mike Yarwood Show (1977) has the largest single Christmas Day audience of 21.4 million viewers,” the charity added.
He spent his “later years” at the charity’s care facility in Twickenham, southwest London, Brinsworth House.
The organization stated, “He leaves behind an incalculable void in the entertainment industry.
Former Labour prime minister Harold Wilson, his Conservative adversary Ted Heath, political interviewer Robin Day, rugby league commentator Eddie Waring, and football manager Brian Clough were among the subjects of Yarwood’s impressions.
Sunday Night at the London Palladium, on which he first appeared in 1964, was the source of his initial success.
The Royal Variety Charity stated that Yarwood “quickly rose to prominence for his exceptional ability to imitate 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.”
Kate Robbins, a comedian, described Yarwood as “the king of impressionists.”
She wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “So sad to hear that the legendary Mike Yarwood has passed away. In the 1980s, I was fortunate enough to work with him.
When I was Sarah Brightman to his Cliff Richard, we could barely accomplish anything because we were giggling so hard.
Yarwood was “simply one of the greats” and “part of the golden generation of entertainers that defined television for decades”.
Chris Bryant, Labour member of parliament and shadow minister for creative industries and digital, remarked, “Very regretful to hear of Mike Yarwood’s passing.
Such a perfect balance of precise detail and endearing wit.
Yarwood was born in Bredbury, Cheshire, on June 4, 1941.
After completing secondary school, he worked as a messenger and then as a garment warehouse salesman.
He was a devoted Stockport County Football Club supporter.
