Max Bygraves dies aged 89 after battle with Alzheimer's (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Max Bygraves dies aged 89 after battle with Alzheimer's
3:40pm Saturday 1st September 2012 in News By Caitlin Marsh
Max Bygraves outside his Westbourne home
MAX Bygraves, the legendary entertainer and former Bournemouth man, has died at the age of 89.
The actor, comedian and singer was an all-round showman, famed for performing in theatres across the UK, including the London Palladium and Victoria Palace.
His agent, Jonny Mans, made the announcement of his death, stating that Bygraves had passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Australia.
However, it all started during World War Two, when Max realised that he could make people laugh, with his long career seeing him star in countless TV shows and films including Singalongamax and A Cry from the Streets.
Bygraves was well-known for his catchphrase ‘I wanna tell you a story’ and also for the many Sing Along with Max CDs that he brought out, with a pinnacle of his career being awarded an OBE in 1982.
He lived in Bournemouth for a number of years, with his wife, Blossom, before moving to Australia to enjoy his later years in the sun.
Back in June this year, his daughter, Christine, wrote to the Daily Echo, asking for readers to send her father a postcard with their memories, as it turned out that Max was suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Fans replied in their droves, sending letters, cards and pictures to Hope Island, in Australia, where Max lived, recalling seeing him performing, or making an appearance across Dorset.
Ray Townson, 87, and his wife, Enid, 83, from Bournemouth recalled seeing Max open local church fetes, with Ray saying: “We miss Max – he was a great entertainer and a great man.”
Enid added: “We used to see him at Chez Fred’s fish and chip shop.
“He had a nice personality and, although I never spoke to him, I enjoyed being in his presence.”
More memories and thoughts were posted on the Daily Echo website.
Rudolph_huckler, said: “He’s a rare breed. A true gent and performer, he has entertained so many folk in his time. I doff my cap to him.”
Another, H2o-hara, said: “Like the Beatles at the time, Max too was also part of my childhood.”
They could also recall Max moving to Sandbourne Road, near Alum Chine, and buying cigars and newspapers from a newsagents on Maxwell Road, in Canford Cliffs .
Praelis, said: “Much love to him, and we need more like him and the entertainers from the 80s.”
WHAT is your favourite memory of the entertainer, Max Bygraves?
Comments(20)
jbland
says...
2:42pm Sat 1 Sep 12
MrPitiful
says...
2:43pm Sat 1 Sep 12
So many memories of all his great war-time songs - class!
Although we used to moan about it as kids, my dad loved nothing more than taking us out strawberry-picking in his 1958 Austin A35 car every Sunday, a pint at a local country pub, listening to his Sing-a-long-Max tapes along the way!
RIP Max - a true legend.
pete woodley
says...
2:47pm Sat 1 Sep 12
muscliffman
says...
3:00pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Reeve 7
says...
3:28pm Sat 1 Sep 12
R I P among the Tulips
buickboy
says...
5:12pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Richard 1976
says...
6:31pm Sat 1 Sep 12
north dorset AFCB
says...
6:50pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Correct number
vanessaphoto
says...
7:05pm Sat 1 Sep 12
O'Reilly
says...
7:40pm Sat 1 Sep 12
alanrr
says...
8:08pm Sat 1 Sep 12
The Renegade Master
says...
8:44pm Sat 1 Sep 12
RIP Max.
H2o-hara
says...
10:54pm Sat 1 Sep 12
darcyknows
says...
11:38pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Huey
says...
10:02am Sun 2 Sep 12
RIP
Veryhappyincomer
says...
4:08pm Sun 2 Sep 12
H2o-hara wrote:Agree with you about the blue plaque.
It was 1966 as an 8 year old myself that mother and I were walking past the Royal Exeter Hotel when this chap sitting in the back of a black Rolls Royce nodded at my mother and she said that was Max Bygraves . Since then I'd seen him both in and outside the theatre on different occasions as he later decided to live here. A very warm hearted person who had a tendancy to create a friendly atmosphere whenever he was around.I think it would be great if perhaps Bournemouth Pavilion were to make a memorial plaque or something simular as he was almost part of their furniture as well as a neighbour. RIP Max and thankyou for so many years of entertainment.
I heard from an ex-girlfriend that he used to have the local kids round his house to play when his grandkids were there. I suppose that it is one way to stay normal and to keep your feet firmly on the ground, which is how many of us remember him. How many stars today would do the same?
I think that his death has induced mixed emotions - happiness for what he gave us, and sadness and grief for what we have lost.
groveswhitnall
says...
10:59pm Sun 2 Sep 12
portia6
says...
12:30am Mon 3 Sep 12
"Little White Bull" and the "Ugly
Duckling! Ah nostalgia for the 1950's!
Wafuwiggy
says...
3:41pm Mon 3 Sep 12
Turkey
Turkey
Turkey!!!
Pure class
R.I.P
TheDistrict says...
2:34pm Sat 1 Sep 12