Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Keith Harris dead: Orville the Duck ventriloquist dies aged 67 following battle with cancer

The news was confirmed by the TV star's agent

Jenn Selby
Tuesday 28 April 2015 15:41 EDT
Comments
Orville and Keith Harris. He covered up his condition by getting people to read out scripts to him
Orville and Keith Harris. He covered up his condition by getting people to read out scripts to him

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Keith Harris, the TV ventriloquist behind Orville the Duck, has died.

He passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after being diagnosed with cancer aged 67 years old.

The news was confirmed by his agent, Robert C Kelly, on Tuesday morning.

“Sad to announce death from Cancer of my client, dear friend and great talent, Keith Harris,” Kelly said.

Harris helmed The Keith Harris Show in the Eighties, which had the coveted prime-time Saturday night slot on BBC One.

He also enjoyed a No.4 hit with "Orville's Song" in 1982.

Harris is survived by his fourth wife Sarah and their two children. He also has a daughter, 27, from a previous marriage.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in