Des O’Connor’s Wife Reveals His Secret Cause of Death

In a shocking turn of events, the wife of the late British entertainer Des O'Connor has come forward to reveal the long-kept secret behind his untimely death. Jodie Brooke Wilson has disclosed that O'Connor had been privately battling a mysterious illness for years, a secret that he had carefully guarded from the public eye. Now, the truth has finally been unveiled: Des O'Connor had been silently fighting Parkinson's disease.
▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Early Life and Career
02:37 - His Relationship with Morecambe and Wise
04:13 - Later Career and Talk Shows
06:06 - His Personal Life
07:24 - Parkinson’s Disease and Death
08:23 - Outro
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The revelation has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left fans around the world in disbelief. O'Connor, known for his infectious smile, quick wit, and remarkable talent, had chosen to shield his struggle from the world, wanting to be remembered for his uplifting spirit rather than his health battles. But behind the scenes, he had been grappling with the debilitating effects of Parkinson's, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination.
Jodie Brooke Wilson, who had been married to O'Connor for 13 years, bravely decided to share the truth, shedding light on the silent struggle her husband had endured. She revealed that O'Connor had been diagnosed with Parkinson's three years prior to his passing, but had dealt with it privately, not wanting people to feel sorry for him or define him by his illness.
The revelation adds a new layer of depth to O'Connor's remarkable career and enduring legacy. Throughout his decades-long journey in the entertainment industry, he had charmed audiences with his talent, hosting popular TV shows, performing alongside music legends, and bringing joy to millions. Behind the scenes, he had faced his own battles, yet he continued to take the stage with his trademark smile, never letting his illness define him.
As the truth emerges, it invites us to reflect on the strength and resilience of this beloved entertainer. Des O'Connor's legacy goes beyond his talent and accomplishments; it is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination to bring happiness to others.
#desoconnor
Des O’Connor’s Wife Reveals His Secret Cause of Death

[@alanhill4338]

I remember the Des O'Connor show. It was a great show the whole family crowded round the TV every week. Very fond memories. Thanks Des.

[@rosebarry]

A nice man who didn’t rely on cruelty or profanity in his act.

[@janemmb]

I always loved old Des. He never ever seemed to take himself seriously and was always smiling .RIP lovely man xxx

[@paulthurston2883]

RIP Des. You are one of the British entertainment legends. Miss you mate.

[@debbielea3137]

Loved it when Freddie star on is show

[@derekstocker6661]

Thanks for this well done story of Des's life. Loved watching anything he was in and his humour was brilliant plus, great character and came across as a fabulous family favourite. RIP Des, gone but never forgotten!

[@awalk5177]

Never controversial, always entertaining . Now I am in my 70's , I dont remember a time before 2010 that Des was not on TV. I hope his family have also such fond memories of Des. With Morecambe and Wise they were a hoot together.

[@eileenpritchard9154]

ABSOLUTELY, those were the days.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@nigelmcculloch3746]

Yep, morcome, wise and o,conner, they were classic comedy together!

[@marioncarson3083]

Loved Des O Conner🥰he was the butt off jokes from Morcambe & Wise, but they were really good as a Trio😂🤩😂.I loved his song I’ll Pretend & his other songs. Des was a very good singer also an all round ENTERTAINER R. I.P Des O Connor 😇👌

[@susandavies6095]

6:00 6:00

[@fus149hammer5]

Untimely death? He was 88 for FFS and visibly frail. My old mum was a big fan and for her seventieth birthday we got her his signed autobiography. When she passed in 2012 we placed it in her coffin. I can't hear old Des now without thinking of mum.😊 Des was a gent, a genuinely nice man and no scandal has ever attached itself to him. He was respected by all and great friends with Eric and Ernie despite what they said about his singing. 😅 No one has ever replaced him and by the look of things no one ever will.

[@joanelliott4986]

Miss him a lot. No one compares to him and also Brucie.loved all his great programmes. Who have we got now? Can't think of anyone.

[@suewright1299]

I mostly remember Des with Morcambe & Wise and Des’ shows, he was always a pure natural. I loved his songs, especially ‘I Pretend’. God Bless you Des and Rest In Peace

[@user-mm2ls6wd3o]

Who didn't love Des O'connor. My Dad had all his records which were played on the family record player every Sunday morning. One of the true stars of 70s and 80s television. Rip Mr O'connor.

[@cosso114]

My father did national service with des and followed his career avidly.god bless them both.

[@glenysdunford819]

I loved this when he used to go into his giggling, when he interviewed stars on his chat shows, I grew up with Des morecombe and wise true comedy greats, shaped my humour ❤❤❤❤

[@melanielatham5665]

I agree, so many brilliant talented entertainers years ago. 😢

[@eileenpritchard9154]

​@@melanielatham5665 DEFINITELY, WONDERFUL. 👏👏👏👏

[@blazingsaddles7145]

Fully agree, great comment. We are not allowed to laugh now anyhow and nothing on tv these days to laugh at anyway, no comedy shows now, but good to remember those days when we could laugh as much as we wanted. Loved Des

[@patriciaroberts2987]

When did Des o Connor died

[@glenysdunford819]

@@patriciaroberts2987 1980 at age of 88

[@shalomirene1]

Watched Des live on Theatre Cymru in LLandudno. Most self effacing humble likeable person I ever watched. He was just a lovely lovely man.😢😊😊😊😊

[@stevevidler158]

They don’t make them like des anymore, great entertainer surely missed RIP Des best of British 🇬🇧

[@robertemuss4607]

I sang “ I’ll Pretend ‘ at Butlins Skegness in the early 1970s and won , great memories ! Des had a smooth voice and his easy way of performing was great to see. RIP Des

[@jeanninehochet]

He was always so laid back and came across as a very nice man.

[@Pear-zo4em]

I liked him a lot, he was a much loved entertainer who is still missed to this day.

[@charltondown1]

Not for me. He insulted Sue Barker.

[@terrymurphy276]

Never upset anyone just did his job making people happy and very sadly missed R.I.P Des

[@pamtrevaskis3358]

He was great never heard him swear

[@pamtrevaskis3358]

Where has comedy gone?.

[@brendapiany8930]

I will remember him having an uplifting smile

[@johnmoore9862]

Good bloke, good entertainer, R.I.P Des, condolences to the family.

[@eileenpritchard9154]

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.

[@fredkemp9735]

The presenter had to do it in American, so He loved being called Dess... Never mind?

[@anneturner4709]

I remember the Des O'conner show way back in 1967 - 68 when living in the UK. A wonderful entertainer.❤❤❤

[@sparkfishes]

The thing I admired about DES was the young or new artists he had on his show allowing them to do their act with out interfering or dueting with them. Many hosts ( BF being the worst offender)muscled in on the guests act insisting on singing with them DES never did that......I always enjoyed watching him and admired his personality

[@fus149hammer5]

I always got the idea Bruce had two faces. One for the TV and another for the public. Des was just a lovely man and he could sing which is more than what Brucie could do.

[@johngodfrey.766]

One of our greatest entertainers the whole nation loved him, sadly missed.

[@williamingram4755]

I remember seeing a young Des O'Connor in Glasgow Empire around 60 years ago in a show starring Eartha Kitt and Edmund Hockridge. He was a really talented guy with a very melodious singing voice ( despite what Morecambe and Wise joked about 😂) . Sorry he is no longer with us.

[@lucius4556]

They called him deaf o'connor 😂

[@fus149hammer5]

An englishman at the Glasgow Empire? That's a tough gig.

[@debbiecclark6538]

Absolutely loved Des since a child and have his record ( I Pretend) he had an infectious laugh, cheeky grin and lovely personality.. much Missed x

[@billgosling2280]

I was also a Butlins Redcoat and sang on the Sunday night shows with Des O Connor at MINEHEAD

[@billgosling2280]

Also remember Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson on the same show

[@billmmckelvie5188]

In the U.K. he was a national institution and treasure. He was deeply valued by everyone! I think the best scene that he did was on his talk show was with the comedian Stan Boardman. There he was burying his head in his hand, hoping the sofa would swallow him up like a Venus fly trap. He feigned a protest that he was going to get into a serious bother with the management over Stan's Fokker joke. Naturally Stan let the gag rip to the rapturous applause and delight of the audience. Slightly digressing maybe they knew Stan Boardman was a miracle child, during the war whilst in air raid shelter where every one sensed the bombs were getting too close for comfort either it was a sister or another girl, laid on top of him saving his life and sacrificing her own!

[@colinhill4963]

Des o,Conner was a true gentleman,I remember going to the des o,Conner show studio,s and des was about 30 mins late and he actually walked to the row of audience to the back and apologized to everyone for being late.he was the best chat host that you will never see anyone as good as he was.

[@jaket9559]

Des was a real gentleman great funny guy

[@mariaefelices6543]

The running joke with eric and ernie about his singing always got massive laughter ,BRILLIANT RIP. ALL ms cdf vor

[@peteredwards7760]

He met Buddy Holly on the British Variety Circuit, Buddy gave Des one of his guitars.

[@rossmansell5877]

at 90...I would!🤣

[@jsemplefelton5348]

I disagree with your assessment of the relationship between Eric Morecambe and Des. There was no animosity whatsoever. It was all good clean fun. The audience saw it for what it was and so did Eric and Des.

[@user-jy8mo5fi5q]

Back in his early TV career he did a sketch in which he played the part of a puppet called Andy Pandy and have a young lady playing the part of Daisy May. It was a very funny sketch. I also liked his chat show with Melony Sykes

[@denisemccauley3784]

I remember that sketch,loved it

[@richardbutler4488]

Today with Des and Mel was fabulous, it’s a pity it got cancelled due to itv cutbacks when it did.

[@nigeldavey1043]

I don't know where you get the name facts Verse from. Once again you show scant regard for the facts. He and Eric Morcambe were good friends and amongst other things were golfing buddies. There was no secret about the Parkinsons disease, he just didn't make a fuss about it. That's the British way. You really need to get a new researcher.

[@verenamaharajah6082]

Dear Desmond was in his nineties so I don’t see how his demise was untimely! However, he was a wonderful entertainer. His chat shows interviewing other stars, would often have me crying with laughter, which I clearly remember to this day. He was always laughing and his laughter was so infectious. We all adored him, and by the way, he was a lovely singer!

[@margaretfisher7699]

I knew him as he lived in the next street to mine when I was growing up in Northampton. I remember him in army uniform mostly,

[@dianapearman9850]

Seeing him in the early 1970's at a London Paladian Show performance, O'Keefe Centre, Toronto, Ontario Canada. He did a comedy skit with Michael Bentine and I bought a record album of Des O'Connor's Sing a Country Song. Great show, great album. His voice was unique and silky smooth, so talented in so many ways.

[@paulinesharp9889]

Rest in Peace dear Des your work will always keep you in our hearts rest well❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🇯🇲

[@user-xh3lz9xt4l]

My family met Des and his family inthe Hotel Coral Playa in Ibiza in the early 1970s. He wasa gentlemen and we got on with hisfamily.

[@paulthurston2883]

I stayed at the Coral Player too with my family in the late 60's. Fond memories.

[@user-xh3lz9xt4l]

@@paulthurston2883 it was so pleasant to play crazy golf with his daughters as we were all young kids and we had fun

[@lindabayliss5228]

Love, respect, and prayers. X

[@carolynwilliams9953]

My mother and I attended an “evening with Des O’Connor” while on a cruise shortly before his death. An excellent evening although quite distressing to see his health deteriorating. I will always remember him fondly

[@MrMoggyman]

Good old chutchy face (as Morcambe and Wise called him, as his face resembled a cat). Always loved Des. Such a lovely bloke. He was enormously talented. I always loved to see Des perform, or just to host. Sorely missed.

[@annwilliams8029]

Was I wasn't even aware he had passed away ,I remember watching him on all his tv shows ,he always appeared to be happy an brought a lot of joy to many including my late Mum an I , Thanks for the updates an memories RIP Red 😊❤💜💗🇬🇧

[@margaretdavies6529]

I always loved his shows he was so easy going and so likeable I remember him interviewing many stars😊 and of course his getting berated on Morcambe and Wise shows. Many happy memories xx

[@joanelliott4986]

He was the best entertainer and could do everything. I used to watch him whenever he was on tv. No one can replace him and seemed to be a really nice person. I really miss his incredible talent.

[@alexguest9937]

Bloody hell! I never knew Des O Connor played on the same football team as SEAN CONNERY! Definitely the same Sean Connery as the James Bond actor, judging by the photo???

[@foxyut]

That was a showbiz team.

[@Steve-Cross]

Des had a wonderful life. I wouldn’t say his death was untimely. He was 88, which is a good age. Like many of his contemporaries, he will be greatly missed.

[@dip.2271]

His songs always made every new year celebrations happier.

[@rigamortice]

my favourate was with stan boardman telling the fokker wolf joke

[@arthurlockwood8735]

Great bloke. Good to see on the tv 🇬🇧🙏👍

[@willbee6785]

He made others shine.

[@georgeclarke1183]

he was a great entertainer on and off the stage

[@David-xl9cp]

RIP, of a great entertainer

[@user-jd7tj1jz7v]

With Freddie Starr, absolutely excellent.

[@lorrainemccowen8343]

I remember watching Des on TV . Loved his shows especially when he was trying to interview Freddie Star. I still listen to Des today as I recorded some of my favourite tracks off of two Albums that I bought mum for birthday and Christmas. Thanks Des for the laughs and the music.

[@user-py7oh8pz9j]

Interesting info. TY

[@pamsavage2204]

Lovely des first class entertainer sadly missed

[@House0fwax]

My mum was a big fan. She always watched his shows. Thanks Des. :)

[@philocn]

we all loved dez xxx

[@shirleychandler2780]

Loved Des . Anyone who hasn’t seen his chat show with Freddie Star ,find it on KZbin . Wish we still had this calibre of entertainment . RIP Des and Freddie 😢

[@anatfe5294]

A lovely man Thank you Des R I P

[@gazzertrn]

He was what he was on screen , a genuine person .

[@andrewgrant8045]

Generous, big hearted, and beautifully self-deprecating. Loved a laugh and was great with Freddie Star.Des was probably the only one brave and talented enough to go the distance with Freddie, who was also amazing but an unpredictable box of frogs.

[@MatthewOfLondon]

Dear Des - very much loved and terribly missed. 💔

[@nowhere982]

Loved Des....good clean clever cheeky comedy❤ rip

[@maureenwhite5877]

Des was a good all round entertainer love seeing him on tv truly missed bye lot of friends

[@monicaroberts78]

Really sad. Nothing compares..full of pain love n hope. Hope she's happy Now.🙏🏾👵🏾👩🏾‍🦱💋🇬🇧

[@georgemacdonald5282]

One of the all time greats, in those days there were so many of these stars and we will never see their likes again, you felt that you new them, they were definitely part of your life, bring back the old days as they seem so false now a days, God bless you Dez.

[@axiom666]

I saw him twice at the London Palladium. My favourite was his backing group called the McGregor Brothers, made up of Len Bone (very tall), a Dwarf, a Chinese chap and a black man. Happy days. x

[@Steve-nu4sv]

I wouldn't describe his death as "untimely" He died aged 88 had a long, varied and mainly successful career. Fathered FIVE children the last one when he was 72 years old.

[@holliepaigeful]

Great entertainer and a perfect gentleman you never heard him say anything horrible or other stuff. Missed and loved by so many god bless his family ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@colinreece3452]

I never knew about his private life, I liked him to be honest, he smiled very easily and it seemed genuine not put on.

[@HorwoodCourt-de5gd]

My late Hubby and myself absolutely loved and enjoyed everything he Performed fantastic a real gentlemen we did go to see Des live at a theatre in Suffolk magic godbless Des and I still play you lovely CDs soft beautiful relaxing g voice

[@murraycharters6102]

My favorite entertainer of all time. I saw him twice at Twin Towns on the border of NSW and QLD. Des called the place TWIN TIMES because NSW had daylight saving time QLD didn’t. Twin Towns RSL was just on the NSW side of the border. I was a musician, although I didn’t work in his band, I had drinks with him after a show. I loved his singing voice and he was very funny, with a magnetic personality. I still listen to his music to this day. I miss you Des, you bought a lot of pleasure not only to my life, but to millions of others.

[@DD-tt6up]

There will never be another Des Jimmy Tarbuck as well 🎉

[@sleepysilvera]

I met Des when he appeared at Batley Variety Club near Leeds in 1972. We had managed to get seats in the centre of 2nd row from the stage. He came on stage with one of the new microphones that didn't have a cable. I whispered to my friend "Has he forgotten to plug the Mike in". She just shrugged. He started talking and held the Mike up and asked if we liked it. He told us that it picked up sounds from the audience. He pointed to me and the spotlight came on to me. He said this young lady wanted to know if I'd forgotten to plug the Mike in. I blushed and people laughed. He explained how the Mike worked. The spotlight went to another lady and he said this lady said He's smaller than he looks on TV. Later we went backstage to meet him. There was a young man in a wheelchair in the queue in a narrow passageway. Des asked the people to move to one side to make room for the wheelchair. He spoke to the young man for a while and signed his book for him. He was lovely and just as funny off stage. He recognised me and called me the microphone lady, lol. He must have been tired but he signed everyone's autograph books before he left.

[@shropgel]

I am 68 now hope I make it to an untimely death but did love Des and his Showa 😢

[@felicitywilliams2289]

R. I. P. DES😢

[@freespeechadvocate7492]

Des and Freddy Starr together was priceless.

[@gillianmartindale-quinn3275]

I only have found luvely memories of Des, he was one of my my childhood favourites ❤🎉 I never heard any bad things about him, and I was only at my Junior School when Mum & Dad bought a radiogram. I bought with my pocket money, 1 2 3 O leary . I thought he was brilliant and loved his entertainment shows, ya always saw him smiling and happy 😊😅

[@bradashton7037]

I first met Desmomd O'Connor in Butlins Camp in Filey when we were boh on leave from The Royal Air Force during our National Sevice. Thde two ocf usx dentered the Campers Concert and got through gthe audition as comediand aznd givde separate spots in the secon half of the show. The first half over-ran and there was only room for one of us. So, during the interval we both had to do another audition. I gogt throuugh and Des was dropped..

[@leoseries]

Since when has death at 88 been described as an "untimely demise?"

[@johnmoore9862]

What a miserable comment.

[@user-dd5dt8kc5r]

Loved his giggle - his chat show 😪

[@user-br2jg6cp3g]

I knew😢Des for 50 years and never saw his hands shaking, also he sent me a birthday card and fresh flowers for most of those years. I don't believe he had Parkinson's, I would have known. When he passed away I was the first to know except for his associate producer per Des's instructions, know

[@nickgov66]

When I was about 10 years old the firm where my father worked organised a trip to the Christmas pantomime at the Hippodrome theatre in Birmingham. After over 60 years I cannot remember which pantomime it was but one of the stars was a young Des O'connor. During a break in the show to allow for a scene change he came onto the stage and performed a comedy routine, as part of routine he said that fixed under one of the seats was an autographed picture of him and the person who found it would receive a bottle of champagne. Everybody stood up and looked under their seats. When everyone was standing he said that it was a joke and that there was no picture. What he obviously didn't know was that my mother, a great fan of his, had previously written to him at the theatre and asked for a signed photograph and I had that photo in my pocket. It is a great regret, even afrer over sixty years, that I didn’t have the courage to stand up holding the picture. I still wonder what would have happened if I had.

[@MARKETMAN6789]

I liked him singing feelings , He was a big part of british t v in his era r i p

[@777colin1]

Untimely demise? for goodness sake he was 88. He died of old-age. Thank you Des for all the laughs and entertainment. RIP

[@marionward7672]

I was in the audience of 2 recordings of the Few O'Connor show. Between takes he would stay on stage and tell jokes. Some of them were a little blue. He seemed to be an all round nice guy, quick to put his guests at ease.. I am saddened to think that he was struck by parkinsons. As a nurse of many years, I had a private patient with the disease. She was a talented artist but now could no longer even hold a brush. Dad to think he suffered as she did

[@raypridham3028]

His flare style and voice Briliant!!

[@RoseWatson-ow5ud]

Loved his songs an take you pick

[@nigel6862]

A very decent guy..

[@kevinscott168]

Imeet him once at Royal Ascot. Only spoke for a shot while but thought he wasnice to have a chat with. And he looked great. Best regards to his memory and family

[@Pastorpaulraymondainsbury]

My favourite O'connor moment was surprising morecambe and wise when they taking the Mickley out of his album classic TV ah ah ah

[@laidalylc7]

He made me laughed so much when he was performing a sketch with his guests but my favourite was when he was doing one with Freddy Star, he was a brilliant performer for sure.....

[@paultaylor7624]

I loved the des O'connor show he always had great guests on and the ones with Freddie Starr where awesome and I can remember des in hysterics on the sofa and he always used to fall back on the sofa laughing, he is sadly missed he was a great entertainer 😢

[@carolbrand181]

Loved Des , have a few of his LP's and he was a great singer x c

[@stewartwebb5699]

Very informative good video. Loved Des. He does his job well, but why choose an American for UK audience? Still. I did enjoy it. Thanks

[@louiseharper7850]

We went to the Studios at the Southbank in London to see Harry Hills Alien programme being made, Des was I think 86, looked poorly but his brain was still razor sharp! He lived a good age, and was one of our best comedians, always a pro!

[@TheEchovoices]

always loved this man

[@davidpease2240]

I remember Des O’Connor on his TV, show doing a sketch on Andy Pandy, a full grown man, dressed as Andy Pandy, with that cheeky grin and the sparkle in the eyes you couldn’t help but laugh and what about his songs i’ll pretend remember and another one I remember from the TV. Show the Des O’Connor name song to the tune of Nola, naming all the top movie stars great memories