The Shocking Amount That Jim Bowen Left in His Will When He Died

Jim Bowen, born Peter Williams on August 20, 1937, in Heswall, Cheshire, was a beloved English comedian, actor, and television presenter. Raised in Lancashire, Bowen initially pursued a career in teaching after studying at Chester Diocesan Training College, where he trained as a PE teacher. His entry into entertainment was somewhat serendipitous; he began performing stand-up comedy in clubs during the 1960s while still working as a teacher.
▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - Jim Bowen’s Early Life and Career
03:56 - Bullseye
07:36 - The Legend and the Legacy
08:35 - Outro
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Bowen's comedic talents soon became evident, and he gradually moved from teaching to a full-time career in entertainment. His big break came in 1971 when he appeared on the television talent show "Opportunity Knocks," which led to further television appearances, including on "The Comedians," a popular show that showcased various stand-up comedians.
However, Bowen is best known for hosting the game show "Bullseye," which premiered in 1981. The show combined general knowledge questions with darts, creating a unique format that became immensely popular. Bowen's catchphrases, such as "Keep out of the black and in the red, nothing in this game for two in a bed," became part of British pop culture. His warm, affable style and humor endeared him to audiences, and "Bullseye" ran successfully until 1995, becoming a staple of British television.
Beyond "Bullseye," Bowen had a diverse career in entertainment. He appeared in various television shows, including "Phoenix Nights," and made guest appearances on radio programs. He also continued performing stand-up comedy and wrote an autobiography, "Right Place, Right Time," in 1998, offering insights into his life and career.
Despite his success, Bowen remained grounded and connected to his roots. He was a beloved figure not just for his television work but also for his contributions to British comedy. Jim Bowen passed away on March 14, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and fond memories for his many fans.
The Shocking Amount That Jim Bowen Left in His Will When He Died

[@julieford148]

He surely will remain a legend. I grew up with bullseye and I now watch the repeats every night before bed. It’s funny now to watch the ancient prizes on offer which were regarded as cutting edge back in the day lol . Thanks Jim RIP xxx

[@legionnairegonk4425]

I spoke to Jim on the phone when I worked as a sales rep for a casual clothing company in the early 90's. He was in the back of his Rolls Royce being driven somewhere (I think he said he was on his way to a gig), and he fancied a new polo shirt after seeing our ad in the newspaper. He was a REALLY nice guy, no ego about him. I remember he didn't even care about his order number! I said to him he should write it down in case the item got lost in the post, but he replied 'don't worry about it son'... I will never forget how nice he was.

[@elliottg.1954]

Jim had quite a life, P.E. instructor, assistant head teacher, TV shows, radio, Bullseye, comedy shows, standup. At a Rhine Army Summer Show in Germany, maybe in the 1980s (can't remember), I walked across to the beer tent and Jim was stood outside. Surreal.

[@vinny3266]

A posthumous cancellation for a man who entertained people back in the day. What a time to be alive 🎉🎉

[@d71mau]

He is a legend, and is sadly missed...RIP

[@robfrench3379]

Jim Bowen was absolutely brilliant. I still watch re runs of Bullseye

[@michaelobrien9825]

JIM BOWEN AN ABSOLUTELY MUST WATCH YEARS AGO, AND THE PUBLIC LIKED HIM, R.I.P. JIM YOU ARE MISSED.

[@qed456]

Did he leave a speedboat and a top of the range tumble dryer?

[@GrouchoMarx-MaGeorge]

🤣🤣

[@Lovemy911]

Nope 😮! He left a set of golf clubs 😂

[@paulwoods3161]

Matching his and hers dressing gowns........

[@andrewpowell6851]

Also a monza caravan

[@geraldjacksonradio701]

A lovely man to work with and call a friend at BBC Radio Lancashire, where his daily morning show was very popular. One of his last performances was at our station birthday dinner. Always be missed.

[@dancedecker]

Thanks for that Gerald. He was a treasured part of Lancashire and on the many occasions that I met him, he was always a true gentleman, so I know exactly what you mean. My good friend Andy Mitchell sends you his regards.

[@SuperJollychef]

I served him and his wife many times on board qe2 in the 90s ,what a great company to have a New York breakfast with

[@breeze1472]

always amazes me that people think their elders should leave them their wealth....sod it spend it and enjoy it

[@mrmeg01]

Excatly make there own way in life

[@jackwatsonepic626]

It's like Elton John or Paul McCartney £600 million & £900 million they can't take it with them ... money is to spend in your lifetime there is no point in buying cheap spend it ... you could be dead tomorrow it's always nice to have a few pounds behind you, but not that much 😂 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@ianhl7174]

Agree agree, spend and enjoy, there is no pockets in a shroud!!

[@michaelobrien9825]

​@@jackwatsonepic626Paul does not spend a great deal personally, apparently tight as a ducks a##e as the saying goes.

[@user-tr3lq3dc8z]

Bowen died at 80. Tony Green died at 85.

[@geoffharris9396]

Or he spent his money while he was alive which is the proper way before it gets swallowed up in inheritance tax, death duties, and care home fees. No good being rich in the bone yard...

[@neil6644]

When the UK made great programmes with brilliant hosts unlike the crap we see today IF you bother watching.

[@sirpagandetyptoft6793]

He might have earned millions but he would have been taxed heavily so you can take on average 50% off his gross earning throughout his career. For the last 25 years of his life he earned a relatively modest salary working on cruise ships plus some endorsement income.

[@johnowen1677]

He also ran a pub in Hornby, Lancs. Used to see him regularly in the local supermarket. Lovely guy.

[@user-wq1cf7ms5r]

Hope he spent it well. QE2 cruises and Rolls Royce are not cheap RIP mate

[@gavinstrachan1373]

Lots views watching bulls eye in 1980s with my family am last one in my family alive so you remember past happy memories thank you bulls eye R.I.P. jim

[@johnleigh349]

Jim was a great guy' I met him regularly in Whittington pub on Saturday and his wife too

[@user-mn4cc6bb7t]

Jim Bowen left £360,000. While a comparatively small amount compared to his apparent earnings over the years, that suggests that either (as suggested in the video) he put money into investments that didn't pay off or, alternatively, he employed an accountant to help him with a bit of tax planning, transferring money and / or possessions to his wife and children before he died. In addition, perhaps he moved money into offshore accounts that wouldn't be included in his UK will.

[@inkedbhudda85]

Was going to watch this ya prick no point now

[@mrdeafa25]

I think he went for the gamble, the non-dart player threw first and....you know the rest.

[@ciaranburke3243]

Does it matter it was his money fair and square 😁

[@ramsey6681]

I sincerely hope he had a good accountant who helped him siphon his money quietly to his family while he was alive - because obviously the more you leave as a lump sum in your will, the more that gets nicked to be shamelessly jizzed away by Westminster Wankers and other undeserving arseholes. I like to think of him standing on a cloud waving the receipt for a couple of million quid that went to his family, looking down on the Inland Revenue offices, laughing and saying, _"Look at what you could've won!"_

[@maryknight4823]

​@@ramsey6681your a joker 😂😂😂....

[@darrylashton8428]

I served Jim Bowen in a restaurant on the QE2 in the 80s. I was a restaurant waiter. And worked very long hours. Would not be allowed today especially when l the crew worked a seven day week. No day off. God Bless You Jim and the QE2.

[@ScratchySlide]

I worked on the QE2 years ago and Jim came on with a trad jazz band doing comedy and playing the trumpet with them. A real gentleman and always bought drinks for the resident bands.

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

He was brilliant.

[@megansavage7152]

Super smashin great

[@wideyxyz2271]

His money and I hope enjoyed it. He was a bloody good bloke!

[@raymondturner9441]

Listen to tony, you have all the time in the world. Settle down now, take your time

[@GrouchoMarx-MaGeorge]

"Look what you could of inherited" 🤣🤣

[@TONE11111]

'have'

[@IanCarpenter-walker-nv5xe]

They where not controversial that was how it was at the time.leave Jim alone legend.

[@lisacherrett2280]

Gentleman and absolute legend, very much missed. RIP

[@davidcaldwell6627]

A Famous Comedian said Once " I use to play Darts with Jim Bowen until his head went Blunt" Imagine his will being read out and it said " Heres what you could have had"

[@bleakyfinder2692]

But probate records reveal that Bowen whose real name was James Whittaker, left a net estate in the UK of only £363,232.

[@peterbuckley5204]

He was at a local club where my sister in law waited on she had blonde backcombed hair as she walked past him he blew and said 1 oclock she was not amused but the nickname stayed with her a long time

[@haydoncooper3744]

Always a joy to watch was Jim.He was just well Jim and never seemed to pretend to be anything else which a great many seem to need to do.

[@ftumschk]

Perhaps he gambled it all on Bully's star prize?

[@jensonank2409]

Maybe the loot was squirrelled away so as to avoid the punitive 40% inheritance tax?

[@RobertHarrison-cn3ok]

Legend

[@darrylashton8428]

It was hilarious when Jim Bowen called a leading Lancashire councillor a Nazi. Sadly, Jim was sacked from his radio show. The councillor in question failed to have a sense of humour. And Jim Bowen was labelled as a racist. In which many people knew he wasn't. God Bless You Sir Jim Bowen.

[@garysteven7896]

Born in both Heswall and Clayton , skills

[@kc5402]

"I haven't left any money in my will, but here's what you would've won...." 😉😂 Loved you, Jim. RIP. 👍

[@paulmartin4971]

Loved Jim he was super smashing great, and here's what you could of won.... Lol 😂 RIP Jim Bowen.

[@robinharrison3907]

He was a great Entertainer 🥳Often visited the Midland Hotel Morecambe and was a very interesting person to talk to 👍🥳

[@dancedecker]

Loved Bullseye. It was crap, kitsch and absolutely brilliant. Where else can a guy from Wolverhampton nearly win a speedboat? Awesome. "Great, super, smashin'."

[@martinhambleton5076]

"Super, smashing, great."

[@p46967]

His estate would not have included property or bank accounts owned jointly with his wife.

[@michaelbolton7790]

On one 'Bullseye' show when a contestant failed to win a prize, Jim would identify the prize with a comment, 'Now let's see what you could have won. Oh, a two seat speedboat, should come in handy seeing as you live in a tower block in Birmingham'.

[@davidfoster2006]

He left twice 180 that’s not bad.

[@melgrant7404]

Smashing super.

[@harryzero1566]

So, what was SHOCKING? Why am I not shocked? As a former electrician, I know what it's like to be shocked. What's wrong with 'Surprising' or 'underwhelming' or perhaps ' paltry' BS headlines dilute the English language.

[@peterpaliwoda1527]

“ nothing for two in a bed “ lol

[@PaulGlancy-fp7ob]

"Here's what you could've won, come on, let's have a look"

[@billycasper289]

Never been left nothing and ill never lose sleep over it. I was born with nothing and its on me to make my own way in life. But ill 100% be leaving an house to my grandkids if i get the opportunity to buy 1 day but lifes hard these days.

[@pauldeavin849]

WHO GOT THE MICKY MOUSE TELLAPHONE. AND THE PLASTIC GARDEN CHAIRS LMFAO

[@markcoomber8222]

Sounds like he got his estate planning just about right if all that was left in the otherwise taxable estate was £360k.

[@ciaranburke3243]

Absolute legend so what if he spent his hard earned cash on himself 👍

[@_v-.]

Oops you've landed in Britain and sadly the subjects gone so I can't ask the question 😢😂❤

[@davidshepherd8822]

I always told my dad get it spent

[@RichardFallows-qp1fy]

Alan Carr is not fit to lick his boots

[@johnnytungsong8719]

I’m sure Alan Carr doesn’t lick BOOTS!

[@timg1246]

Why would he want to do that ?

[@user-gb9iv5op3y]

Neither are you...whats ya point

[@NeilHarding-ne1mh]

Did he leave Bullies special prize...

[@richardj2216]

Smashing super

[@andymartin]

I just read his real name was James Whittaker

[@Johnny_Seven]

I thought this guy said " his life in Korea " he never fought in the war surely lol.

[@keithpeters6954]

It was all those bloody speedboats

[@cdub5033]

did he spend it all on up to the minute men’s, women’s & family fashions?

[@fishypie]

for gods sake what ever he made good on him, he made he can spend it how he feels . it was his money

[@richardswales767]

Thaz born we nawt tha gone we nawt

[@nathelondon3719]

Outrageous. Fancy only leaving £360,000 to your children. It’s a scandal! 😅

[@bobHughes-ct6mw]

Bowen under the guise of Mr Whittaker was my P.E. teacher and what a miserable sod he was. His wife was the girls P.E. teacher, neither remembered with any fondness.

[@waynecrothers9441]

I heard a rumour he was damn hard to get along with at home, you reckon any truth to it?

[@kevintrace5396]

Comical guy

[@chrisdoran9770]

I met him over 30 years ago, as i was working on the Stevie Wonder show at the NEC, and was at an after show party at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham. I simply said hello to him, and he was very rude. I explained in no uncertain terms that I was not looking for an autograph, or a photo with him, and I certainly wasnt in awe of him either, as working full time in the music industry, I was well used to meeting with proper "celebrities", and certainly did not regard him as one.

[@loddude5706]

It was your speedboat costume . . . poor choice : )

[@GEOFF0906]

He left £360,000

[@Lovecoffee971]

£363,232

[@user-yq3nu5hd6n]

Were the days back then We had the best golden years back then Proper TV and only few channels Great laughing ❤ When England was great And fly our England flag ❤ Back then Yes he was well liked ❤ Unfortunately we don't have nothing left today England been sold long ago No point having thousands of channels It all rubbish Just my opinion

[@garyshannon4798]

An American Ai voice talking about Jim Bowen just doesn't do it for me. Sorry

[@vforvictor7575]

So what if he spent the money that he worked very hard for.

[@-chris1965]

I presume he left sod all?

[@DeborahMoffett]

Maybe 🤔 jim had a secret woman on the side and left a lot to her!his mun his fun 😊

[@13thcentury]

Clickbait title - only around 30 seconds was spent on the subject - bowens will.

[@d71mau]

Not really it was about his life

[@13thcentury]

@d71mau "the shocking amount thar jim bowen left in his will when he died" That's the title dude. If I buy eggs... I don't expect ham.

[@lsmoulton]

@@d71mau Lousy video !

[@stevehumphrey6830]

A fantastic fella......He was also very astute...... Phyllis will have wanted for nothing after his passing!!😉

[@13thcentury]

@@lsmoulton You've got to love it when the channel themselves admit they are shit 😆

[@dilhani2]

Stay out of the black, get into the red. You get nothing in this game for two in a bed🥰

[@Vincent-fv2wy]

There is a god , his name is money.........probably the sadest fact on the planet.

[@lsmoulton]

Controversial jokes ?

[@bottlecap57]

He wouldnt have earned much from Bullseye. See the state of those prizes..

[@andrewpowell6851]

Bullseye dident it have a serial ki#er on the show

[@StanleypeterDickinson]

When was he in Korea?

[@user-gq4kn9sf2m]

I hope this is your idea of a joke. If not, they're talking about his CAREER.

[@13thcentury]

He had a career in Korea?​@@user-gq4kn9sf2m

[@peterdowdall8972]

I newJim he spent most of his money on women and gambling he lived the dream

[@johnnytungsong8719]

…..and he wasted the rest of the money! 😄😉

[@cologne2792]

Utter Grellecks!

[@petejones879]

So ignore the title of this clip then... As you never told us anyway

[@Yogi22727]

7.58 it states he left £360,000

[@stoneagepig3768]

You gave him two different birthplaces in two different counties within the first 1:18 of this. Not gonna watch the rest because it's obviously going to contain plenty more BS

[@germainemaxwell4530]

Please tell me what is 'shocking' abought this ? the only reason I can come up with is that English is not your Mother tongue

[@truth3358]

false he would never earned millions in the 80s bad channel

[@georgewallace-r3k]

mediocre period

[@IanSizer-co7vb]

He was the most usless comedian and presenter ever He was useless on Pheonix Night His boring presentation was unreal

[@Jjjjjjjm]

A truly unfunny man,he was an embarrassment and cringeworthy.

[@robinburn4974]

What a sad person you must be

[@ciaranburke3243]

Don't even want to ask what you find funny 😂

[@michealsproat1413]

Are u one of them woke

[@tonydoherty2190]

Probably likes jimmy cricket and the crankys​@@ciaranburke3243

[@fenrichlee2867]

@@robinburn4974 We all different so I'm sorry but he was the wrong man for the job.....

[@stevecooper2907]

Legend