Richard Whiteley
| Location | Bradford - West Yorkshire |
| Age | 62 |
| Date of Death | 25/06/2005 |
| Visitors | 22,476 since 28/06/2005 |
| Creator | Terry George |
TV presenter and veteran journalist Richard Whiteley died in hospital on Sunday
26th June 2005, aged 61. He had recently been admitted to hospital with
pneumonia and died tragically just days after receiving heart surgery.
He was best known as the face of Channel 4 quiz show Countdown, a favourite with
students throughout the country, but also could count the Queen and George
Clooney amongst its fans. Countdown was the first programme shown on Channel 4
when it launched in 1982, and Richard clocked up more hours on television
screens than anyone else alive as the presenter.
He was born in 1943 in Bradford, West Yorkshire and went to school in
Giggleswick, where he was taught English by another celebrity Russell Harty. He
was recruited into the ITN graduate scheme in 1965, having studied English at
Christ’s College Cambridge. This saw the start of his career with Yorkshire
Television, which he joined as a news reporter. He became a political reporter,
and interviewed every Prime Minister since Harold MacMillian, including Margaret
Thatcher, whom he was first to interview after the Brighton Bombing in 1984.
Honoured with an OBE in June 2004, he leaves behind partner Kathryn Apanowicz
and son James.
New TributeTributes to Richard
There have been 42 tributes left for Richard.
Alan Matsell July 29, 2008, 12:00 amA very nice man
I met Richard only once on the train heading north, and enjoyed a little gentle ribbing about a slight matter with a ferret many years earlier, and Richard took in in good part. A true gentleman.
Jo Sowerby July 9, 2008, 12:00 amFond memories
I was in Sydney when I heard that Richard has passed away suddenly. Everyone used to say he reminded them of my Dad - daft jokes that everybody rolls their eyes at but secretly find hilarious!!! I had a toast to Richard in a bar in Sydney with my UK friends and we all had a tear in our eye - oh, the student days - cuppa tea and Countdown! I have just returned back to Sheffield after 8 years in Oz. I went to the library and saw the book Kathryn wrote - I read it in just over a day. It impelled me to look for a tribute site as it moved me so much. What a love story! I still have not been able to bring myself to watch Countdown yet. I accidentally put it on but could not watch it - no offence to Des! Such a shame - for me - it was the one thing I missed on TV living in Oz. Bless you Richard - THANKS for being a superstar!
Steph (Tellie) April 1, 2008, 12:00 amJust Passing Thru Just Been On My 2 Friends Isaac And Chloes Site..I Used To Watch You On Tellie With My Grandma She Always Used To Shout Out Words To The Tellie And I Would Say Gran He Cant Hear You..
Rip...
*(LYL)*
Linda Beardsell March 6, 2008, 12:00 amMissing Richard Whiteley
I have watched Countdown since the day it first started - on the day Channel 4 started.
I loved Richard Whiteley and was so sad when he died.
I still watch Countdown because I enjoy the format - I enjoy words and number puzzles.
Although I still watch, it is not the same. Nowhere near the same.
Richard was 'Mr. Countdown' and is very sorely missed.
Rest in peace dear Richard.
Donna (coutdown) March 4, 2008, 12:00 amhello can you get my compuoter to go on coutdown thank you bye
Colin Brown (Fan) March 2, 2008, 12:00 amStill missing you greatly
I don't think I'll ever accept that Richard no longer dominates the screen as he did in countdown. He seemed to encapsulate everthing that was good in human nature. How I admired his wit and intellect, how I laughed out loud so many times. I still love and watch countdown but can still imagine Richard sat in his chair. The countdown crew are truly wonderful people and Des is doing a great job. I will always think of you and miss you Richard.
Gemma Brown (Fan) January 31, 2008, 12:00 amMissing your comedy genius
I loved countdown and it is truely pants now you are not there.
Hope your soul is resting peacfully.
All the best to your family.
Anton Simpson (fan) November 21, 2007, 12:00 amict
you are the best. you are missed. i lkied it when you did the channel 4 quiz show countdown rest in pease.
Anton Simpson (fan) November 21, 2007, 12:00 amict
you are the best. you are missed. i liked it when you did the channel 4 quiz show countdown rest in pease.
New GiftRichard's Gifts
Richard doesn't have any gifts yet. Why don't you leave one?
