Keith Shenton Harris was born on September 21, 1947, in Rotherham, England. He grew up in a family of performers, as his parents were both involved in the world of entertainment. His father owned a chemist shop, but also had a passion for variety performing. It was this early exposure to show business that sparked Keith's interest in pursuing a career in entertainment.
As a teenager, Keith discovered a talent for ventriloquism and began creating his own puppet characters. He honed his skills by performing at local talent shows and events, quickly gaining a reputation for his comedic timing and ability to bring his puppets to life.
Keith's big break came when he was hired to host a show called The Black and White Minstrel Show. His natural charisma and talent for ventriloquism quickly caught the attention of audiences, leading to him being given his own show called Cuddles and Company. It was on this show that Keith introduced two of his most iconic puppet characters, Orville the Duck and Cuddles the Monkey.
It was with these lovable puppets that Keith truly made a name for himself in the world of entertainment. Audiences were captivated by his witty banter with Orville and Cuddles, as well as his impressive ability to switch between voices seamlessly. The Keith Harris Show premiered in 1982 and ran until 1990, solidifying Keith's status as a household name.
In addition to his successful television career, Keith also dabbled in music. In 1983, he released an album titled At The End of The Rainbow, which featured songs inspired by his puppet characters. The album peaked at #92 on the UK Albums Chart, proving that Keith's talents extended beyond ventriloquism.
One of the standout tracks on the album was "Orville's Song," which became a UK Top 10 single. The catchy tune, sung by Orville himself, captured the hearts of fans and further solidified Keith's place in pop culture history.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Keith was known for his kind and generous nature. He had a close-knit family and was beloved by fans for his warmth and sense of humor. Despite his success, Keith remained humble and down-to-earth, always grateful for the support of his loyal audience.
Tragically, Keith passed away on April 28, 2015, after a battle with cancer. His death was mourned by fans around the world, who remembered him fondly for his contributions to the world of entertainment. Keith's legacy lives on through his iconic puppet characters and timeless sense of humor, proving that he will always be remembered as one of the greatest ventriloquists of his time.