Eamonn Andrews facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eamonn Andrews
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Andrews in June 1970
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| Born | 19 December 1922 Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
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| Died | 5 November 1987 (aged 64) London, England
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Television and radio presenter |
| Spouse(s) | Gráinne Bourke (m. 1951–1987; his death) |
| Children | 3 adopted children |
| Relatives | Noel Andrews (brother) |
Eamonn Andrews (born December 19, 1922 – died November 5, 1987) was a very popular Irish radio and television presenter. He worked mainly in the United Kingdom from the 1950s to the 1980s. He was well-known for hosting many famous TV shows. From 1960 to 1964, he led the Radio Éireann Authority, which helped start television in the Republic of Ireland.
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Early Life and Boxing
Eamonn Andrews was born in Dublin, Ireland. He went to school at Synge Street CBS. Before becoming a broadcaster, he worked in an insurance office. He was also a very good amateur boxer. In 1944, he won the Irish junior middleweight boxing title.
Starting a Broadcasting Career
By 1944, Eamonn was involved with a boxing club. In 1946, he became a full-time sports commentator. He worked for Radio Éireann, which is Ireland's national broadcaster.
In 1950, he started presenting shows for the BBC in the UK. He became very famous for his boxing commentaries. Soon, he was one of the most popular TV presenters. The next year, he began hosting the game show What's My Line?. He also sometimes appeared on the American version of the show.
Between 1955 and 1964, he presented Sports Report on BBC Radio.
Famous TV Shows
In 1965, Eamonn left the BBC to join ITV. There, he helped create the chat show format in the UK. He hosted The Eamonn Andrews Show on ITV for five years.
This Is Your Life
Eamonn Andrews is probably best known for hosting the UK version of This Is Your Life. He hosted it from when it started in 1955 until his death in 1987. On this show, famous people were surprised and celebrated for their lives and achievements. Eamonn himself was the very first person to be surprised on the British This Is Your Life show.
Other Popular Shows
He also created a long-running game show called Whose Baby?. This show first aired on the BBC and later on ITV. Eamonn was also a regular host for the early Miss World beauty pageants. He also presented Crackerjack!, a children's TV series.
Leading Irish TV
From 1960 to 1964, Eamonn Andrews was in charge of the Radio Éireann Authority. This group helped bring television to the Republic of Ireland. They also made the broadcaster an independent organization. Eamonn left the RTÉ Authority after some disagreements about the content of The Late Late Show. He believed in 'freedom of expression' for the show.
Later Life and Legacy
Eamonn Andrews became ill in 1987 due to a virus. He sadly died from heart failure on November 5, 1987, at the age of 64. He had recorded his last episode of This Is Your Life just six days before he passed away.
His funeral was held in Portmarnock, Ireland, where he lived. He was buried in Balgriffin Cemetery near Dublin.
Personal Life
Eamonn Andrews married Gráinne in 1951. They adopted three children together.
Awards and Recognition
In 1970, Eamonn Andrews was given an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award recognized his important work in British broadcasting. His contributions to radio in the UK are also remembered in the Radio Academy Hall of Fame.
Television Work
Here are some of the television shows Eamonn Andrews hosted:
- What's My Line? (1951–63 and 1984–87)
- This Is Your Life (1955–64 and 1969–87)
- World of Sport (1965–68)
- Crackerjack! (children's series)
- Whose Baby? (a game show he created)
- Top of the World (1982)
See also
