전기
Michael Barrymore was born in Bermondsey, London, in 1952, a place known for producing stars like Charlie Chaplin, Max Bygraves, and Tommy Steele.
After winning the TV show New Faces, Michael's breakthrough came when he joined Russ Abbot's Television Madhouse. This led to his own series with Thames Television, The Michael Barrymore Show, alongside memorable appearances on major variety shows.
In 1987, he launched Strike It Lucky for Thames Television, which became so popular that he produced nine more series.
By 1989, Michael's versatility placed him at the forefront of British entertainment. He performed as Wishee Washee alongside Frank Bruno as the Genie of the Lamp in the pantomime Aladdin at London's Dominion Theatre, where ticket sales soared. The following Christmas, his rising popularity saw him star as Buttons in Cinderella at the Bristol Hippodrome, breaking ticket sales records once again.
Career highlights include two Royal Variety Performances and shows attended by Her Majesty The Queen. In 1992, he starred in The Children's Royal Variety Performance, attended by Princess Margaret, earning widespread praise.
In 1993, London Weekend Television signed Michael, recognizing his talent that would earn him numerous awards. His top-rated series Barrymore earned him the title of Top ITV Entertainment Presenter at the British Comedy Awards three years running from 1993 to 1995. By then, Michael had firmly won public affection with his warmth and spontaneity, collecting trophies for Best Entertainment Show and Best Entertainment Performance at the 1994 Royal Television Society Awards.
In 1995, Michael won multiple awards and achieved success with My Kind Of People. Traveling across Britain, he recruited more fans by inviting them to sing or dance unrehearsed on London Weekend Television’s first major weekday prime-time venture.
That same year, at the inaugural National Television Awards voted by viewers, Michael won Top Entertainment Presenter and Barrymore took Best Entertainment Show. He also earned Top Game Show for Strike It Lucky (1986).
In 1996, Michael’s status as Britain’s leading male entertainer was cemented when he received the prestigious Gold Medal for variety at the New York Festival for an episode of Barrymore. He was again voted Best Entertainment Presenter at the National Television Awards.
1997 saw Michael record a new Strike It Rich series, film a cameo in the Spice Girls movie Spiceworld, produce a new My Kind Of Music series, and perform his live Christmas show Barrymore Live for 11 sold-out nights at Fairfield Halls, earning standing ovations. He also received the National Television Award for Best Entertainment Presenter once more.
In 1998, his hit series My Kind Of Music drew huge ratings, alongside a new Strike It Rich series. Michael won two awards at the Challenge TV Game Show Awards and was named Best Game Show Host and Most Popular TV Presenter at the National Television Awards.
That year, he toured England, Wales, and Scotland with An Evening with Barrymore, which sold out and received standing ovations. He also prepared a new My Kind Of Music series for 1999.
In 1999 and 2000, Michael created the new series Kids Say The Funniest Things, an instant ratings hit, and his first drama comedy series Bob Martin, both winning him Best Entertainment Show and Best Comedy Performance at the National Television Awards.
He also sold out his Laid Back live tour across New Zealand and, on returning, did another sell-out tour in Australia and New Zealand, receiving standing ovations each night.
In 2004, Michael toured New Zealand again with his sell-out Heartland Tour, garnering enthusiastic standing ovations and positive press.
Having become a New Zealand resident in March 2004, Michael divided his time between London and Auckland.
That year, he worked on various potential TV projects, served as Master of Ceremonies for corporate events like the Thrive EMA conference, and delivered after-dinner speeches featuring his unique humor.
Michael also ventured into journalism in 2004 by writing a column for the Herald on Sunday, which was well received.
He made his musical stage debut as lawyer Billy Flynn in the hit musical Chicago, performing alongside Tina Cross during a two-month North Island tour in New Zealand. The show sold out everywhere and received rave reviews. Michael has continued to perform live shows and remains in demand for corporate entertainment in New Zealand.
In 2006, Michael joined Channel 4’s Celebrity Big Brother. The overwhelming applause upon his entry and exit reflected strong public support in England, and he was voted the show’s most popular celebrity by viewers.
Since then, Michael has appeared as a guest on various television programs.
