Jim Bowen
James Brown Whittaker (born Peter Williams; 20 August 1937 – 14 March 2018), known professionally as Jim Bowen, was an English stand-up comedian, actor and television personality. He was the long-time host of the ITV game show Bullseye, which he presented from its beginning in 1981 through to the end of its original run in 1995.
Jim Bowen | |
|---|---|
Bowen in 2008 | |
| Born | Peter Williams 20 August 1937 |
| Died | 14 March 2018 (aged 80) Melling-with-Wrayton, Lancashire, England |
| Other names | James Brown Whittaker |
| Occupation(s) | Stand-up comedian, presenter, radio presenter, TV personality, actor |
| Years active | 1971–2014 |
| Television | Bullseye (1981–1995) The Comedians (1971–1993) |
| Spouse |
Phyllis Owen (m. 1959) |
| Children | 2 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | Royal Army Ordnance Corps |
| Years of service | 1955–1957 |
| Website | www |
In early adulthood, Bowen was a teacher and took part in local dramatic groups. He first appeared on television in The Comedians (1971) and he eventually devoted himself to comedy full-time, appearing in other television shows in the 1970s. After the popular Bullseye, he subsequently worked for various radio stations and toured with stand-up shows. Towards the end of his life he was affected by a number of strokes.