- Born
- Died
- Birth nameDesmond Bernard O'Connor
- Height5′ 10½″ (1.79 m)
- He was brought up in Northampton where he had his first job and played football for Northampton Town. He joined the RAF, and, on completing his service, became a Butlin Redcoat. He began to learn the rudiments of comedy which led him to become a professional. After six years, he got his first big television break as host of 'Spot That Tune' , then became compere on 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium' . In 1966, he hosted the Royal Variety Show. His first record, 'Careless Hands' ,got to number three in the top ten, his second, 'I Pretend' , also got into the top ten.
- IMDb mini biography by: Tonyman 5
- SpousesJodie Brooke Wilson(September 23, 2007 - November 14, 2020) (his death, 1 child)Jay Rufer(1985 - 1990) (divorced, 1 child)Gillian Vaughan(1960 - 1982) (divorced, 2 children)Phyllis Gill(1953 - 1959) (divorced, 1 child)
- Had a car accident as a child and his parents were told he'd never walk. His father caught him standing without his calipers and proclaimed 'that if he can stand, he can walk.'
- O'Connor opened for Buddy Holly in his sole appearance in England. Holly, in a letter to his wife said "Show was great but the comedian wasn't very good".
- O'Connor replaced Russell Grant in the West End musical The Wizard of Oz as Professor Marvel, Doorman at the Emerald City, Tour Guide and the Wizard.
- O'Connor has had a successful career as a singer, recording 36 albums, five of which reached the Top 40 of the UK Albums Chart.
- Before his break in television, his first theatre appearances were in variety, where he appeared in venues throughout the country.
- I believe in mixing new talent with established superstars. People know what they get when they tune into my show - an hour of class entertainment.
- [on his showbiz career] If it ever became work, I'd pack it up. I've never done a day's work in my life.
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