Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Keith Harris and Orville at the Children's Royal Variety Performance in 1982. PA Archive/Press Association Images
RIP

Keith Harris, Orville the Duck ventriloquist, dies aged 67

Tributes have been paid to the children’s entertainer who had his own show on the BBC.

ENTERTAINER AND VENTRILOQUIST, Keith Harris, has died aged 67.

Harris is famous for pleasing the masses with his performances with his puppet, Orville the duck.

It is believed that Harris had been diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and died in hospital in Blackpool.

Harris, who was married four times, leaves behind three children.

Children’s entertainer

The news of his death was confirmed by his agent, Robert C Kelly, via Twitter:

Harris had his own BBC One Saturday night programme ‘The Keith Harris Show’ and had a top 10 hit with Orville’s Song, popularly known as I Wish I Could Fly, in 1982.

memorylane1980s / YouTube

Keith Harris death PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

The BBC reports ‘The Keith Harris Show’ ran for eight years from 1982 to 1990, and the entertainer appeared on a total of five Royal, and Children’s Royal Variety Performances.

The performer is also believed to have given private performances at Highgrove House for Prince William’s third birthday and then at Kensington Palace for Prince Harry’s third birthday, at the personal request of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Tularis / YouTube

Messages of condolences have been paid by those in the entertainment business:

Read: Finland’s navy fired warning shots at something (but doesn’t know what it was)>

Video: Mrs Brown on marriage equality ‘What’s the feckin fuss?’>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
30
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.