Michael Barrymore Biography: Books, Age, Marriage, Height, Awards, TikTok, Controversy, Net Worth, Depression

Michael Barrymore is an English television presenter and comedian who rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s by hosting popular light-entertainment shows such as Strike It Lucky and his own variety programme Barrymore.

His on-screen persona and game-show success made him one of the most visible faces of British Saturday-night television. Over time his career encountered dramatic setbacks, but he has continued to remain a figure in entertainment albeit in very different circumstances.

Profile

• Full name: Michael Ciaran Barrymore
• Date of birth: 4 May 1952
• Age: 73 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Bermondsey, London, England
• Nationality: British
• Profession: Television presenter, comedian, actor
• Height: 6 ft 2½ in (approx. 189 cm)
• Parents: Mother Margaret Parker (née O’Reilly) ; Father – George Barrymore
• Siblings: Two elder siblings (one brother John and one sister Ann)
• Spouse: Ex-wife Cheryl Barrymore (married 1976, divorced 1997)
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: Single
• Religion: Raised Roman Catholic
• Ethnicity: White British
• Net worth: $2.5 million

Early Life and education

Michael Barrymore is now 73 years old, having been born on 4 May 1952 in Bermondsey, south London. He spent his early childhood on the Dickens Estate in Bermondsey and was raised by his mother, Margaret Parker, after his father George left the household when Michael was around 11 years old.

His upbringing in a working-class environment in south London was marked by financial challenge and domestic instability, yet it also shaped a strong drive in him to succeed in show business. His Irish mother brought a cultural heritage and Catholic upbringing to the household.

During his school years Michael was tall and thin, nicknamed “Bones Parker” by friends. He showed early signs of performing ability, doing impressions and comedic routines amongst his peers. After leaving school, he did not pursue a traditional academic path. Instead he worked various jobs including as a Redcoat at Butlin’s holiday camps and in theatre before entering television.

Personal Life

Michael Barrymore married dancer-manager Cheryl Cocklin (who became Cheryl Barrymore) in 1976. Cheryl took on his management and helped steer his early career. The couple did not have children and divorced in 1997 amid reports of personal and career strain.

In 1995 Michael publicly came out as gay, and in subsequent years he has been linked to a number of relationships. His struggles with alcohol dependence, depression and drug use have been part of his personal narrative.

Career

Michael Barrymore’s television career began after performing as a Redcoat at holiday camps and in West End theatre shows in London. He won attention in the late 1970s by appearing on talent shows (including New Faces), and by the early 1980s he was performing television sketch and variety shows. His own series The Michael Barrymore Show aired in 1983.

By the mid-1980s he became host of the ITV game show Strike It Lucky (later titled Strike It Rich) which cemented his status as a prominent television entertainer. In 1991 he launched the variety show Barrymore, which ran throughout the 1990s.

At his peak Michael was one of the highest-paid television stars in Britain and was voted among the country’s favourite presenters. However, his career suffered a major blow when in March 2001 a young man, Stuart Lubbock, was found dead in the swimming pool of Barrymore’s house. Investigations, media scrutiny and the cancellation of his ITV contract followed.

After this his mainstream television appearances dwindled. He made a return to the public eye via reality television (such as Celebrity Big Brother in 2006) and in later years he has cultivated a presence on social media platforms and live performance, though none of these matches the peak of his earlier career.

Net worth

Michael Barrymore’s net worth is estimated at around $2.5 million. His wealth stems from his years as a top television presenter hosting successful game and variety shows, earnings from live performances, and subsequent media and social-media engagements.

Controversy

Michael Barrymore’s career has been shadowed by significant controversies. The most serious involves the death of Stuart Lubbock in March 2001 in the swimming pool at Barrymore’s Essex home after a party.

Whilst Barrymore has denied responsibility, the incident triggered intensive police investigations, the cancellation of his contracts and extensive media coverage.

He has also struggled in public with alcohol dependency, multiple stints in rehabilitation, and acknowledged past drug use. He has accused the tabloid press of a vendetta and called his career destroyed by media coverage.

Social Media

• Instagram: @themichaelbarrymore
• TikTok: @themichaelbarrymore

Filmography

• Michael Barrymore (1983)
• Spiceworld: The Movie (1997)
• Bob Martin – Series 1 (2000)
• Bob Martin – Series 2 (2001)
• Larry Grayson: Shut That Door! (2018)
• Michael Barrymore: The Rise And Fall Of Mr Saturday Night (2023)

Books

• Back in Business (Michael Barrymore