The Tragic Reason You Don’t See Russ Abbot Anymore

when you hear the name Russ Abbott if you're anything like us a tidal wave of nostalgia washes over you once a staple in the world of British comedy Abbott was the man who could do it all sing dance and most importantly make us laugh his titular show Russ Abbott's mad house became a synonym for Pure unadulterated fun in the 1980s turning Abbot into a household name with his signature Beret and an endless supply of vibrant characters he was the king of comedy loved by millions but as the curtains Drew to a close on the 20th century Abbott's presence on our screens started to dwindle what happened to the man who brought us the unforgettable characters like basilon Bond and CU Jimmy why did Russ Abbott the heart of British comedy seemingly vanish from the Limelight fax verse presents the tragic reason you don't see Russ Abbott anymore laughter beats and unexpected turns before checking in on his current status it's worth revisiting the Epic Show Business Voyage of the comedy Legend born Russell Allen Roberts in 1947 Abbott initially stepped into the spotlight as a drummer and lead vocalist of 60s show band The Black Abbotts more parody act than serious musicians their mixture of live music and physical comedy earned modest chart success before disbanding in 1980 shortly after Russ transitioned to television comedy winning the funniest man on TV award multiple years as a regular on variety show The Comedians capitalizing on this momentum he soon hosted the Russ Abbot show on BBC 1 starting in 1980 each week viewers tuned in to see which Oddball characters the madcap comedian would inhabit next channeling his Keen Eye from mimicry Abbott created iconic personas like former Milkman turned inept spy basilon Bond Kilt wearing Scottish Alter Ego CU Jimmy and parodies of entertainment figures sketches featuring Martin matchet and Barry Grand Slam proved especially popular with younger audiences leading to publishing comic strip annuals in 1982 and ' 83 while primarily known as a television funny man Russ Abbott simultaneously nurtured a thriving musical career during the 80s as a solo artist he released several well-known albums and saw singles like atmosphere break the UK top 10 charts in 1985 ever the showman Abbott even hosted a 1993 Elvis pressle themed stars in their eyes special when original presenter Leslie Crowther was injured the 2000s marked an unexpected career shift as Abbott turned his talents more regularly to dramatic stage acting he landed lead roles in National tours of Productions like Dr dittle and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang perhaps most memorably he portrayed scheming Thief Fagan in the West End musical Oliver during an extended 2009 stin all the while Russ Abbott continuously returned returned to British television in scen stealing guest spots and supporting Parts on programs like The Last of the Summer Wine the Sarah Jane Adventures and classic medical soap opera casualty from 2014 to 2016 he co-starred in popular sitcom Boomers about three aging couples somehow the tireless performer also found time for his family away from the cameras and bright lights married since 1966 to his wife Patricia Simpson the pair raised four children together as Abbott's star ascended to Great Heights now 74 years old the great Russ Abbot has certainly earned some rest and relaxation after nearly 60 Whirlwind years in the business with an unparalleled career repertoire covering almost every facet of entertainment imaginable many expected Britain's beloved laughing Cavalier to keep popping up on screens regularly however his onscreen appearances have grown increasingly sparse as the new decade Dawn ab's reclusive Golden Years though he once dominated the British comedy scene Russ Abbott has undeniably retreated from the spotlight in recent years that said he still does occasionally resurface to reminisce about past TV Glory Days or catch up with former co-stars even so the days of Abbott helming his own programs or routinely appearing on talk shows seem squarely behind him detailed accounts of the comedian's day-to-day life remain elusive now 74 years old it's possible advancing age and the shift in entertainment industry Trends has Abbott happily settling into retirement but Clues from past interviews suggest simmering tensions with former employers and mounting Health troubles likely also influence his reclusive Tendencies Abbott has mentioned taking up residence in Portugal perhaps to lead a peaceful life largely out of the public eye for Die Hard fans who grew up watching his madcap sketch shows or tuning in weekly to beloved sitcoms like Last of the Summer Wine Russ Abbott's virtual disappearance remains an unfortunate mystery the Abbott Family Health curse while describing himself as pretty fit in interviews throughout his career Russ Abbott has never been able to escape a tragic family health history heart disease diagnoses plagued previous generations of Abbott men creating health anxiety for Russ from a young age Abbott's father passed away at only 60 years old old after a series of Strokes while both of Russ's older and younger brothers died prematurely from sudden heart attacks genetics and gender already put Abbott at high risk himself for cardiovascular conditions doctors try to mitigate this risk by prescribing daily statins meant to lower the 74 year-old's cholesterol but lifestyle factors like Diet exercise and avoiding cigarettes also play a key role with death constantly surrounding him growing up living a long healthy life remains a priority for Russ Abbott Abbott versus the BBC simmering tensions boil over Russ Abbott and the BBC have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship for more than 40 years the broadcaster offered a springboard to fame when Abbott landed his first major TV gig in 1980s sketch comedy in Turn The Versatile Entertainer rewarded them with some of British television's most beloved comedic performances over the next three decades but in recent years deep Rifts emerged in that once harmonious bond between star and network as the BBC abruptly canel or refused to extend older programs like Last of the Summer Wine and Abbott sitcom Boomers the move perplexed loyal audiences and performers alike in recent interviews Abbott scarcely hides his lingering resentments he argues that lowcost high viewership shows like longtime staple Last of the Summer Wine wrongly got dropped prematurely of his own ratings hit Boomers the comedian was quoted as saying we had over 5 million viewers in this day and age that's great we were all expecting more indeed industry observers point out that certain long tenured Executives spearheading BBC comedy have controversially assu proven formulas in favor of targeting younger demographics ratings for comedy programs and viewer trust measures plunged to Veterans like Russ it the disregard for Reliable Legacy programming feels like a betrayal now it's time to hear from you what's your favorite memory of Russ Abbott let us know in the comments section below

Channel: FactsVerse UK

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Id: 4Dg8-oI2OmE

Length: 8min 2sec (482 seconds)

Published: Wed Jan 24 2024