Tom O’Connor hosts episode of ITV’s Crosswits in 1994
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Tom had had Parkinson’s disease for 14 years, said his daughter-in-law, the former athlete Denise Lewis. The comedian was best known for presenting iconic British programmes including The Comedians, Crosswits, Name That Tune, and the Tom O’Connor Show.
Tom had a long career as one of the nation’s favourite presenters and comedians.
Thanks to his success, he accumulated a huge fortune during his lifetime.
Although it is not clear how much Tom earned annually while he was working for various TV channels as a presenter, it is thought he had a net worth of anything from $1million to $5million, according to different celebrity sites.
This is currently equivalent to £730,000 and £3.6million.
Born in Bootle, in Merseyside, Tom attended St Mary’s College in Crosby before moving to London to attend university.
He studied at Saint Mary’s College in Twickenham.
After graduating, he became a mathematics and music teacher at the St Joan of Arc School in Bootle.
His career into comedy transpired in his spare time, when he appeared on stage as a comedian in various working men’s clubs.
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Tom’s big break came in the 1970s when he appeared on The Comedians.
For decades, he was one of the most familiar faces on British TV and even took part in the documentary programme This Is Your Life in 1977.
After The Comedians, he hosted a plethora of programmes including Name That Tune, Wednesday at 8, the Tom O’Connor Show, Gambit, Crosswits, and more.
In 1987, the comedian presented the Tom O’Connor Road Show for the BBC, which ran daily at lunchtimes.
It was a huge success and watched by 12 million viewers each day.
In 2000, Tom made his acting debut as Father Tom in the BBC series Doctors.
During his career, he also participated on Countdown and Celebrity Come Dine With Me.
The presenter was given an award in 2006 for appearing on the former a hundred times, and he won the 2010 series of the latter show, receiving a record-breaking score of 29/30 for his culinary skills.
In 2011, Tom appeared on Pointless Celebrities with his daughter, Denise Lewis, and the pair reached the final of the game.
The comedian and presenter died today after having lived with Parkinson’s for more than a decade.
He was diagnosed with the disease in 2007.
He leaves his wife, Patricia, and four children.
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