Impressionist Mike Yarwood dies aged 82

Legendary comedian and impersonator Mike Yarwood has died at the age of 82.

The Royal Variety Charity announced the performer’s death earlier today, stating that he “leaves behind an immeasurable void in the entertainment industry.”

“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.”

Yarwood was famous for his impersonations of politicians like Harold Wilson and Edward Heath, as well as comedy stars such as Morecambe and Wise and Ken Dodd.

Will the Real Mike Yarwood Stand Up? ATV Elstree, 1968.

One of the most-watched entertainment shows ever on British television was his 1977 Christmas special, which featured Paul McCartney.

When he was in school, he did impressions of Billy Bunter and his teachers for classmates. Despite not winning a talent competition, he was offered a gig off the back of it for 30 shillings (£1.50).

After warming up the audience for the ABC TV’s Comedy Bandbox, he was later permitted to perform on the show. In 1965 he finally hit the big time with an appearance on ATV’s Sunday Night at the London Palladium. He also appeared on the Royal Variety Performance, The New Palladium Show and his own sketch series Will the Real Mike Yarwood Stand Up?

After working for ATV on his first sketch series 1968-69, he fronted a series of eponymous BBC shows between 1976 and 1981 before joining Thames Television for a short run into the mid-80s.

A punishing schedule and perfectionism took their toll on him, causing him to hit the bottle and his marriage to crumble. He became disillusioned with comedy in the 1990s and retired from performing.

In October 1999, Yarwood enrolled in the Priory Clinic in Roehampton, London, for treatment of depression. In later years, he was a resident of Brinsworth House, the residential and nursing retirement home in Twickenham, west London, for theatre and entertainment professionals.