Bruce Forsyth death – how old was the Strictly Come Dancing presenter, how did he die, what was his net worth and who was his wife?
SIR Bruce Forsyth died on August 18, 2017 at the age of 89 after a battle with ill-health.
The former Strictly Come Dancing host was a national treasure and one of Britain's best-loved performers, having thrilled the nation for decades - here’s a look back at some of the TV superstar’s incredible life.
How did Bruce Forsyth die?
Bruce's death comes after the Strictly Come Dancing star's lengthy illness and difficult recovery.
89-year-old Brucie had been plagued with health troubles in recent years.
In March 2017, he spent five days in intensive care when he came down with a severe chest infection.
Months before his death Bruce suffered two life-threatening aneurysms, leaving him bed-bound and forcing him to cancel a string of public appearances.
He is survived by his wife Wilnelia Merced and his six children.
BBC Director General Tony Hall paid tribute to "one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known."
His statement read: "Sir Bruce was one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known.
"He has delighted millions of people and defined Saturday night television for decades, with shows like the Generation Game and, most recently, Strictly.
"His warmth and his wit were legendary. I've never seen anyone quite like him when it comes to performing in front of a crowd.
"He had a remarkable chemistry with his audience - that's what made him such an amazing professional and why he was so loved. He has been part of all of our lives, and we'll miss him dearly."
How did Bruce Forsyth become famous?
Sir Bruce Forsyth first appeared on TV in 1939, aged 11, singing and dancing on the show Come And Be Televised.
Three years later he made his professional debut as The Mighty Atom, a solo song-and-dance act.
But his big break came when he 30 and he was given the job of hosting ITV’s Sunday Night At The London Palladium.
He then went on to front other big telly favourites including The Generation Game and Play Your Cards Right.
As a game show host, he had some hugely popular catchphrases that made him a prime-time staple beloved by viewers.
He is best known these days for hosting Strictly Come Dancing.
Talking about leaving the show, he told Loose Women in 2015: “Whoever leaves a show at the top? Well I did. It was time for me to go, and there are other things to do.”
In 1998, Bruce was given an OBE and then went on to receive a knighthood in 2011.
Who was Bruce Forsyth married to?
Bruce was married three times.
His first marriage was to Penny Calvert from 1953-73. He then married Anthea Redfern from 1973-79.
He then married former Miss World 1975 winner Wilnelia Merced. The pair wed in 1983.
In 1980, she was asked to judge Miss World which was taking place in the UK.
She was introduced to Bruce, who was also a judge, they fell in love, despite the 30 year age gap.
He proposed to her down on one knee during a trip to the Lake District and they wed three years later.
Does Bruce Forsyth have children?
Bruce leaves six children from his marriages.
From his first marriage, he has three children, Julie, Debbie and Laura.
From his second he has two daughters – Charlotte and Louisa.
He has one child with his wife Wilnelia, called Jonathan.
What was Bruce Forsyth’s net worth?
Bruce worked on many TV shows.
Being in the entertainment business for nearly 80s years, he has clocked up quite a wealth.
It’s estimated Brucie was worth £17million which he has reportedly left to his wife in order to avoid a hefty inheritance tax bill.
The reported Wilnelia plans to distribute a sizeable amount of the estate to Bruce's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
What are Bruce Forsyth’s catchphrases?
- Nice to see you, to see you ... nice - The Generation Game 1971
- Didn't he/she/they do well? - The Generation Game 1971
- Good game, good game! - The Generation Game 1980s
- I'm in charge! - The Generation Game 1980s
- You're such a lovely audience, so much better than last week's - The Generation Game 1980s
- What do points make? - Various TV 1980s
- It's a bit Mother Goose, isn't it? - The Generation Game 1980s
- Oh, wasn't that a shame! - The Price is Right 1980s
- Print it, print it - The Generation Game 1980s
- Cuddly toy, cuddly toy! - The Generation Game 1980s
- You get nothing for a pair! (not in this game) - The Generation Game 1980s
- Didn't he do well? - The Generation Game 1980s
- Nice to see you, to see you - The Generation Game 1980s
- All right, my loves? - The Generation Game 1980s
- Give us a twirl! - The Generation Game 1980s
- A chance to go for the car - Play Your Cards Right 1990s
- OK dollies do your dealing - Play Your Cards Right 1990s
- Do you wanna bet on it? - You Bet 1990s
- We asked a hundred people - Play Your Cards Right 1990s
- Higher! Lower! Bruce Forsyth - Play Your Cards Right 1990s
- I'm the leader of the pack which makes me such a lucky jack - Play Your Cards Right 1990s
- And here they are, they're so appealing - Play Your Cards Right 1990s
- Nice to twirl you... Strictly Come Dancing 2000s
- I've made up my mind - you're the best - Strictly Come Dancing 2000s
- And from everyone here - Strictly Come Dancing 2000s
- And from everyone here – and I do mean everyone - Strictly Come Dancing 2000s
- You're my favourites - Strictly Come Dancing 2000s
- Keeeeeep dancin'! - Strictly Come Dancing 2000s
- Not like that! - Strictly Come Dancing 2000s
- Let's meet the stars of our show - Strictly Come Dancing 2000s
- It's the moment of truth - Strictly Come Dancing 2000s