Desmond Carrington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Desmond Carrington
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Carrington in his home studio, 2003
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| Born |
Desmond Herbert Carrington
23 May 1926 |
| Died | 1 February 2017 (aged 90) Perth, Perthshire, Scotland
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| Occupation | Radio Broadcaster, Actor |
| Years active | 1942–2016 (retired) |
Desmond Herbert Carrington (born May 23, 1926 – died February 1, 2017) was a famous British broadcaster and actor. He had a very long career, lasting 75 years! Many people knew him for his weekly radio show on BBC Radio 2. This show was on the air for 35 years, from 1981 until his last broadcast in 2016.
Desmond also acted in movies like Calamity the Cow (1967). On TV, he was well-known for playing Dr. Anderson in the show Emergency Ward 10. He was born in Bromley, Kent, England. Later in his life, from 1995 until he passed away, he lived in Perth, Scotland.
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Desmond's Amazing Career
Desmond Carrington started his professional career in 1942. His first role was playing a schoolboy named Roberts. This was in a play based on the book Goodbye, Mr. Chips.
A year later, he joined the army during World War II. After the war, he worked at a radio station. This station was for the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) in Colombo, which is now Sri Lanka.
Acting on Screen and Radio
After returning to the UK, Desmond worked as a radio producer. He also continued acting on TV. He became quite famous for his role as Dr. Anderson in Emergency – Ward 10.
In 1957, he starred in some radio shows called A Case For Dr. Morelle. He also appeared in a children's film called Calamity the Cow (1967). A young Phil Collins was also in this movie! Desmond also presented a radio show called Movie Go Round in the 1950s.
His Famous Radio Shows
Desmond Carrington's first big show on BBC Radio 2 was called All Time Greats. It started on October 4, 1981. This show ran for many years, until August 29, 2004. It was on every Sunday afternoon for two hours.
At first, he recorded his shows in a BBC studio. But later, he started broadcasting live from his home in Perthshire. His first live show from home was on August 31, 1997. This was the day Diana, Princess of Wales died. Desmond felt it was important to do a live show that day.
His second show on BBC Radio 2 was The Music Goes Round. This show started in 2004 and continued until his last broadcast in 2016. He often started his shows by saying, "Evening all, from home in Perthshire." He always ended with "Bye just now!" and thanked his listeners. He would also mention his cat, "Golden Paws" Sam.
Desmond had a huge personal collection of music. He owned about 80,000 CDs, LPs, and 78s! When he retired in 2016, his show still had over 800,000 listeners.
Awards and Recognition
Desmond Carrington received special awards for his work. In 1989, he was given the Gold Badge of Merit. This award came from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. In 1991, he was also voted the British Radio Personality of the Year.
Retirement from Radio
On September 30, 2016, Desmond Carrington announced his retirement. He had been on the radio for over three decades! He presented his very last show on October 28, 2016.
Desmond had been facing some health challenges for several years. He opened his last show with the same song that started his first show in 1981. It was "Up, Up and Away" by the Johnny Mann Singers. He closed his final show with "That's All" by Mel Tormé. He thanked his listeners, saying that without them, "the whole thing would have been quite pointless."
Desmond's Passing
Desmond Carrington passed away peacefully on February 1, 2017, at the age of 90. His death was announced on BBC Radio 2. He had been unwell for several years.
After his death, BBC Radio 2 broadcast a special tribute program. It was called Desmond Carrington – All Time Great. Many of Desmond's professional items, like radio scripts and music reports, are now kept at The Bodleian Library.
Images for kids
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Carrington in 1946, British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) radio station in Colombo, Ceylon
