The world of comedy and entertainment is mourning the loss of Mike Yarwood OBE, a beloved English impressionist, comedian, and actor. Yarwood, whose career spanned several decades, was known for his exceptional talent and the wide array of personalities he impersonated on British television.

Born on June 14, 1941, in Bredbury, Cheshire, Michael Edward Yarwood had a humble beginning. After completing his education at a secondary modern school, he initially worked as a messenger and later as a salesman at a garment warehouse. Although he had a childhood interest in football, he did not pursue a professional sports career. In his later years, he even became a director of the Stockport County football club.

Yarwood’s career in entertainment took off in the 1960s when he began making appearances on British television. He initially worked for the ITV franchise holder ATV and later moved to Thames Television after his tenure with the BBC. His breakthrough came on the variety show “Sunday Night at the London Palladium” in 1964, which coincided with the political prominence of Harold Wilson, then the leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister, whom Yarwood famously impersonated.

During the 1970s, Yarwood was part of a group of BBC stars, including Bruce Forsyth, Dick Emery, Morecambe and Wise, Val Doonican, and the Two Ronnies, all of whom began their careers on ITV in the preceding decade. His BBC TV shows reached their peak during this period, regularly attracting audiences of up to 18 million viewers. His Christmas special in 1977 was watched by a staggering 21.4 million people, making it one of the most-watched television programs in British history.

Yarwood was renowned for his spot-on impersonations of prominent personalities, including Eddie Waring, Brian Clough, Robin Day, Magnus Pyke, Alf Garnett, Columbo, Frank Spencer, and Ted Heath, to name just a few. His performance as Harold Wilson became his signature act.

Despite his immense popularity, Yarwood’s television career faced challenges in the late 1980s, and his show on Thames TV was canceled at the end of 1987. He then focused on stage work but made occasional television appearances, such as on “Have I Got News for You” in 1995.

In his later years, Yarwood faced the difficulty of impersonating political figures like John Major and Tony Blair, whom he described as “nice guys,” making it challenging to create memorable caricatures.

In 2021, his Christmas shows were broadcast by That’s TV as part of their festive lineup, providing fans with a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Yarwood’s personal life included a marriage to dancer Sandra Burville from 1969 to 1985, with whom he had two daughters. In 1999, he sought treatment for depression at the Priory Clinic in Roehampton, London. Later, he resided in Weybridge, Surrey, and, more recently, he was a resident of Brinsworth House, a retirement home in Twickenham for theatre and entertainment professionals.

Mike Yarwood’s passing on September 8, 2023, marks the end of an era in British comedy and entertainment. His iconic impressions and unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on the industry, and he will be fondly remembered by audiences around the world.