Born in Lyndhurst, Hampshire on 21 September 1947, Keith Harris grew up in North Baddesley in Hampshire and near Chester where he attended a secondary modern school. But he also lived in Poulton during his later years.
The cherished British ventriloquist and entertainer renowned for his puppet characters Orville the Duck and Cuddles the Monkey, passed away on April 28, 2015, at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. His funeral was held in Blackpool, a town emblematic of British entertainment, providing a fitting backdrop to celebrate his life and career. The service took place on May 12, 2015, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Blackpool. The event saw a large turnout, with family, friends, and many colleagues from the entertainment industry gathering to pay their respects. The presence of notable figures from show business underscored Keith Harris’s significant impact on British entertainment.
The ceremony was both heartfelt and celebratory, reflecting Harris’s vibrant personality and illustrious career. Orville the Duck, his iconic puppet, was present, symbolising the strong connection between Harris and his beloved character. Eulogies and tributes highlighted not only his professional accomplishments but also his warm character and the joy he brought to his audience. After the church service, a private cremation took place. Many attendees chose to wear colourful attire, moving away from traditional mourning clothes to honour Harris’s lively spirit and career, and to reflect the joy and laughter he spread during his lifetime.
Tributes from fans and colleagues poured in, celebrating Keith Harris’s contributions to the entertainment world. His work had profoundly touched many lives, and his legacy endures through the characters he created and the happiness he brought to countless people. Keith Harris’s funeral was a poignant reminder of his influence and the affection in which he was held, offering a fitting farewell to a man dedicated to bringing smiles to others and ensuring his memory would continue to inspire warmth and happiness.
Photo inset: Keith Harris and Orville recording the Roy Castle record. 31st August 1994.
Photo in background: 8th May, 2015, a sad day at Sacred heart church on Talbot Road, Blackpool, when the funeral of Keith Harris took place with some former fellow stars attending, including Jimmy Cricket. Some members of the congregation wore a fluorescent green tie in memory of the star’s puppet Orville.
