Liverpool’s most celebrated comedian, Ken Dodd OBE, has sadly passed away on the 12th March 2018 after 60 years of bringing laughter and entertainment to the hearts of Britain.
Ken sadly passed away at the glorious age of 90 yesterday at the home he was born in, in Knotty Ash. Adding to Ken’s lifetime achievements, most recently he has been awarded honorary member of the Liverpool Press Club on December 9th.
Following a successful career in comedy and music, Ken married his 40-year long partner on Friday, Anne, or Lady Anne. Flowers and tributes have flooded in since the news broke of Ken’s passing, with many Scousers praising the work he did for Knotty Ash.
Wirral Gold Medalist, Sam Queck posted on Twitter of her upset, along with local residents all telling stories of their meeting with Ken Dodd. Chris Johnson, Merseyside journalist and Liverpool Press Club Board Member, said: “He is a legend.
“He was supposed to do a ten minute speech at our dinner just before Christmas, but it turned into an hour long comedy set!”
Ken Dodd was an all-round entertainer, with his renowned ‘tickling-sticks’ and creation of the Merseyside’s mythological Diddy Men.
He appeared in dramas such as in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night onstage in Liverpool in 1971, as well as having a televised role in the 1987 Doctor Who story, Delta and the Bannerman.
Not to forget Ken rivalling The Beatles in the 1960s with his recording of ‘Tears’, which became the UK’s third-best-selling single of the 1960s.
Determined not to retire, Ken worked right up until his illness caused him a 6 week stay at the Liverpool Heart Hospital, performing at the Liverpool Press Club in December, which Purple Revolver where lucky enough to attend.
Here, we saw Ken sprightly as ever, with his tickle stick making an appearance. Talking to Ken, he was as humble as ever, accepting all compliments with a shy ‘Oh, thank you!’
The renowned stand-up comedian had thoroughly delivered joy and tears over the years, from his hilarious one-liners to his Guinness World Record for the world’s longest ever joke-telling session, which was telling 1,500 jokes in three and a half hours.
Liverpool produced a wondrous man, full of life, love and laughter, who is certainly going to be missed by many, and his jokes will remain to bring happiness to those all around. The inspirational comedian continues to inspire more and more stand-up comedians to this day, and will do so for a long time after.
“Did you know that a laugh is something that comes out of a hole in your face? Anywhere else and you’re in dead trouble!” — Ken Dodd OBE.
RIP Sir Ken Dodd. A legend never to be duplicated.