Bob Holness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Holness
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Holness in 1989
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| Born |
Robert Wentworth John Holness
12 November 1928 Vryheid, Natal, South Africa
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| Died | 6 January 2012 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Ashford Grammar School |
| Alma mater | Maidstone College of Art |
| Occupation | Television and radio presenter |
| Years active | 1955–2006 |
| Television | Take a Letter, Blockbusters, Raise the Roof, Call My Bluff ”Rockbusters” |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary Rose Clifford
(m. 1955) |
| Children | 3; including Carol |
Robert Wentworth John Holness (born November 12, 1928 – died January 6, 2012) was a famous British-South African radio and television presenter. He was also an actor sometimes. Many people remember him best for hosting the British game show Blockbusters.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bob Holness was born in a place called Vryheid in South Africa. When he was seven, his family moved to England. They first lived in Herne Bay, then later in Ashford, both in Kent.
He went to Ashford Grammar School. After that, he studied at Maidstone College of Art. This college is now part of the University for the Creative Arts. After his studies, he went back to South Africa for a while. There, he worked for a company that printed things.
A Career in Media
Bob Holness had a long and interesting career in both radio and television. He started acting in plays in South Africa.
Radio Star
In 1955, Bob got his first job as a radio presenter. Just one year later, he became the second actor ever to play the famous spy James Bond on the radio! This was for a radio show of the book Moonraker in South Africa.
Later, Bob joined the BBC in England. He presented popular shows like Late Night Extra. He worked alongside other well-known presenters such as Terry Wogan. He also worked for LBC, a radio station in London. There, he co-hosted a morning show that won awards. Bob also presented a request show called Anything Goes for the BBC World Service for many years.
Television Host
Bob Holness became a familiar face on television too. In 1962, he hosted a UK game show called Take a Letter.
But his most famous role was hosting Blockbusters. He presented this popular game show from 1983 until 1994. On Blockbusters, young contestants answered questions to try and connect a path across a board. Bob's calm and friendly style made the show a big hit.
He also appeared on other TV shows. He hosted Raise the Roof and was the chairman for a new version of Call My Bluff. In 2004, he even made a special appearance on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway. He helped host a special Blockbusters round on that show.
Besides presenting, Bob also acted in some TV shows. These included Thriller and Rex the Runt.
"Baker Street" Myth
There's a funny story, or urban myth, about Bob Holness. Some people used to say that he played the saxophone solo on the famous 1978 song "Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty. However, this isn't true! The actual musician who played the saxophone was Raphael Ravenscroft. It was just a fun rumor that spread around.
Family Life and Later Years
Bob Holness met his wife, Mary Rose Clifford, when they were both acting in South Africa. They got married in 1955. They later moved to England and settled in Pinner, London. They had three children: a son named Jonathan, and two daughters, Carol Ann and Ros. His daughter Carol Ann is also known as Nancy Nova. His daughters were part of a band called Toto Coelo.
Bob cared a lot about helping others. He supported many charities, especially those for children. These included the Teenage Cancer Trust and Action for Children.
In his later years, Bob faced some health challenges. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 6, 2012, at the age of 83. His wife, Mary, passed away in 2020. Bob had seven grandchildren.
See also
- List of people diagnosed with coeliac disease
