Michael Barrymore

Michael Barrymore is an English comedian and television presenter, born Michael Kieron Parker on 4 May 1952.

Michael Barrymore is an English comedian and television presenter, born Michael Kieron Parker on 4 May 1952. He became one of the best-known British light-entertainment hosts of the 1980s and 1990s, with major success on game and variety shows such as Strike It Lucky and Barrymore. His later career was overshadowed by the 2001 death of a man at his home and the resulting police investigation.

Early life and career beginnings

Michael Barrymore was born Michael Kieron Parker in Bermondsey, London, in 1952. He began performing before moving into television, with early appearances on variety and comedy programmes.

Television success

Barrymore became a major British television personality through hit entertainment shows such as Strike It Lucky, My Kind of People, and Barrymore. Sources describe him as a major star of British light entertainment during the 1980s and 1990s. At his peak, he was widely described as one of the UK’s most popular and highest-paid television entertainers.

Later career and controversy

His career was seriously affected after a man was found dead at his home in 2001, leading to a prolonged police and legal controversy. He continued to make intermittent television appearances after the scandal, including reality and panel-style appearances such as Celebrity Big Brother.

Personal life

Barrymore married Cheryl Barrymore, who also worked as his agent. Public sources note that he has spoken about personal struggles in later years, but detailed personal claims vary by source.