Bernard King (television) facts for kids

Bernard James King (25 March 1934 – 20 December 2002) was a famous Australian stage actor, chef, and television star. He was known for his cooking shows and for being a very honest judge on TV talent shows.

Early Life and First Steps

Bernard King was born into a farming family in Maleny, Queensland, Australia. He went to a Christian Brothers College in Nudgee, Queensland on a special scholarship. After finishing school, he first worked as a teacher.

Bernard showed his talent from a young age. He entered his first talent competition when he was just eight years old. He also helped raise money for World War II by participating in a show called Smokes for Six Soldiers. While in college, he was known for being a smart student and a strong debater.

From Teacher to TV Star

Even while working as a teacher, Bernard found time for acting. He performed in local plays and variety shows. Soon, he started working part-time for ABC Radio. This work grew so much that he was able to leave his teaching job.

Becoming a Celebrity Chef

Bernard's cooking career began by chance. He hosted a dinner party for the famous English actress Vivien Leigh and her theatre company. He cooked for 50 people in his small apartment in Brisbane. One guest, Maureen Kissell, hosted a show called A Woman's World. She was so impressed that she invited him to cook on her show in Sydney.

Later, another party at his home led to more TV opportunities. Del Cartwright, the host of Good Morning Australia, was a guest. She invited Bernard to show off his cooking skills on her program. This soon became a regular segment. Eventually, he got his own 30-minute cooking show called King's Kitchen.

A Judge with a Sharp Eye

Bernard King also became a well-known judge on TV talent shows. He judged programs like Pot of Gold, Pot Luck, and New Faces. He quickly became known for being a very honest and direct judge. Bernard believed in guiding people who might not be suited for show business. He would often give contestants very low scores, sometimes even zero, if he felt they lacked talent.

Beyond the Kitchen

Bernard was also a pioneer in television advertorials. These are like commercials where he would show how to use products from his sponsors. He also had a successful cabaret show at Sydney's Roxy Revue Theatre-Restaurant. This show ran for seven years.

By 1982, Bernard King had become a huge success. He earned a lot of money from sponsorship deals and special agreements. He even had his own line of herbs and spices. In the late 1990s, he continued to make public appearances. He hosted cooking demonstrations in shopping centers and on television shows.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Bernard King faced some financial challenges. He used his house as a guarantee to fund a second season of shows at the Parramatta Riverside Theatres. However, the shows were not successful, and he lost his house.

Bernard King passed away on 20 December 2002, at the age of 68. He was living on the Gold Coast, Queensland at the time.

His legacy lives on through his work and recordings. In 2016, interview tapes recorded by his biographer, Stephanie Clifford-Smith, were acquired by the State Library of Queensland. These tapes help preserve his story for future generations.