Des O’Connor Net Worth

Des O’Connor Net Worth and Career

Des O’Connor was a beloved television personality, singer, and comedian from the United Kingdom. He passed away on November 14th, 2020, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of over 50 years in the entertainment industry. Des O’Connor’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be £10.6 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Over the course of his career, he amassed a significant fortune through various projects, including singing, television hosting, and performing stand-up comedy.

Early Life and Education

Des O’Connor was born on January 12th, 1932, in East London, England. His parents were of Irish and Jewish origin, and he was the youngest of ten children. Des grew up in a working-class neighborhood and attended school until the age of 14, when he left to work in a factory. However, he quickly realized that his true passion was entertainment, and he started performing in local talent shows. In 1953, he joined the Royal Air Force, where he continued to sing and perform in shows.

Career

Des O’Connor’s career began in the 1950s as a singer and performer in clubs and theaters. He quickly gained popularity and eventually landed a role in the television series “The Benny Hill Show.” However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that his career took off, thanks to his own show, “The Des O’Connor Show.” The show became one of the most popular on television and ran for over 15 years, making Des O’Connor a household name in the UK.

In addition to hosting his own show, Des O’Connor was also a successful recording artist, with over 40 albums and numerous hit singles. He also made appearances on various television programs, including “Des O’Connor Entertains,” “Countdown,” and “Today with Des and Mel.” O’Connor had a talent for interacting with guests and making them feel at ease, which helped to establish him as a masterful host.

Personal Life

Des O’Connor was married four times throughout his life. His first marriage was to Phyllis Gill in 1956, with whom he had two children. They divorced in 1959, and Des went on to marry Jodie Wilson in 1960. They had one child together and divorced in 1962. Des married Gillian Vaughn in 1963 and they had two children together before their divorce in 1982. Finally, in 2007, he married his longtime partner, Jodie Brooke Wilson, and they remained together until his passing.

O’Connor was known for his kind and generous personality. He was active in several charitable organizations, including the Variety Club of Great Britain, which he served as president from 1983 to 1984. He also supported children’s hospitals and organizations dedicated to cancer research.

Illness and Death

Des O’Connor passed away on November 14th, 2020, at the age of 88. He had been hospitalized in Buckinghamshire for several weeks prior to his death following a fall at his home. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his family, including his wife, Jodie Brooke Wilson.

Real Estate

Des O’Connor lived in a number of homes throughout his life, including a sprawling estate in Buckinghamshire. The property, which is located in the village of Denham, was purchased by O’Connor in the 1980s and features extensive gardens and a swimming pool. According to reports, the property was valued at approximately £4.6 million at the time of his passing.

Legacy

Des O’Connor is remembered as an iconic figure in British entertainment. He was a masterful host, a talented singer, and a beloved comedian, earning the respect and admiration of fans and fellow performers alike. His legacy is one of warmth, kindness, and humor, and will undoubtedly live on for years to come.

FAQs

1. What was Des O’Connor’s biggest hit?

Des O’Connor had several hits throughout his career, but his biggest hit was the song “I Pretend,” which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1968. The song remained on the charts for 20 weeks and achieved worldwide success.

2. Was Des O’Connor ever on Broadway?

Des O’Connor never appeared on Broadway, but he did perform in various theaters in the United States, including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

3. Did Des O’Connor receive any awards for his work?

Yes, Des O’Connor received several awards throughout his career, including the Variety Club of Great Britain’s Showbusiness Personality of the Year award in 1978 and 1981, and the British Comedy Award for Best ITV Entertainment Presenter in 1991.

4. What was Des O’Connor’s last television appearance?

Des O’Connor’s last television appearance was on the show “Piers Morgan’s Life Stories” in January 2020. During the episode, he discussed his life and career, and reflected on his many years in the entertainment industry.

5. Did Des O’Connor ever write an autobiography?

Yes, Des O’Connor wrote an autobiography entitled “Banjos, Back Beats and Bleeding Fingers,” which was published in 2002. The book detailed his life and career, and was well-received by fans and critics alike.

6. Who were some of Des O’Connor’s most famous guests on his show?

Des O’Connor’s show featured many famous guests over the years, including Liza Minnelli, Liberace, and Barbra Streisand. He also hosted performances by popular musicians like Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, and Engelbert Humperdinck.

7. Was Des O’Connor ever in a movie?

Des O’Connor appeared in several films throughout his career, including “The Beauty Jungle” (1964), “The Littlest Horse Thieves” (1976), and “The Morecambe & Wise Show” (1980).

8. Did Des O’Connor ever perform live?

Yes, Des O’Connor performed live on numerous occasions throughout his career, and regularly toured the UK with his one-man show.

9. Was Des O’Connor ever on “The Muppet Show”?

Yes, Des O’Connor appeared on “The Muppet Show” in 1980, where he performed a medley of popular songs with the Muppets.

10. Was Des O’Connor ever involved in politics?

Des O’Connor was not known for being involved in politics, and kept his personal views private throughout his life.

11. Did Des O’Connor ever perform in Las Vegas?

Yes, Des O’Connor performed in Las Vegas multiple times throughout his career, including a two-week engagement at the Stardust Hotel in 1976.

12. Was Des O’Connor ever in a play?

Yes, Des O’Connor appeared in several stage productions throughout his career, including “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

13. What was Des O’Connor’s most famous catchphrase?

Des O’Connor had several catchphrases throughout his career, but his most famous was “I’ll sing you a song, and I’ll tell you a joke.”

14. Did Des O’Connor ever perform on “The Royal Variety Show”?

Yes, Des O’Connor performed on “The Royal Variety Show” several times throughout his career, including in 1975, 1987, and 2004.

15. What was Des O’Connor’s favorite song to perform?

Des O’Connor was known for enjoying a wide variety of songs, but he once said that his favorite song to perform was “The Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler.