Goodbye To Keith Harris And Orville

Keith Harris, the ventriloquist famous for his TV appearances with Orville, has died aged 67.

12:43 29 April 2015

Keith Harris, who was a fixture of Saturday night TV throughout the 1980s,  has died aged 67 on Tuesday morning at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after a long fight with cancer, as confirmed by his agent. 

 

Harris’ showbiz career spanned more than 50 years and had a number four hit with Orville’s Song in 1982, selling 400,000 copies. He performed at both Price William and Prince Harry’s third birthday parties at the request of Diana, Princess of Wales. 

 

Stars immediately paid tribute following the announcement of his passing. 

 

Fellow entertainer Keith Chegwin wrote in Twitter: "So sad. A great entertainer and all round nice man Keith Harris has passed away. Best wishes to his family at this sad time. RIP x."

 

While Paddy McGuinness wrote: "R.I.P. Keith Harris ... 'bye Orville."

 

His agent, Robert C Kelly, said: "It is with great sadness I announce the death of my friend and client Keith Harris whom I have known for well over 20 years and managed for the past 15 years.

 

"I spoke to Keith most days whether we had business to do or not. I think I laughed every single time we spoke.

 

"Keith was not only a technically great ventriloquist, he was also a gifted mimic and an extraordinarily funny man both onstage and off.

 

"Perhaps even rarer than that in showbiz, he was a thoroughly decent man, a great friend and a wonderful father and husband."