Bruce Forsyth: Fellowship 2008

Sir Bruce Forsyth, legendary TV entertainer, received a prestigious BAFTA Fellowship at The British Academy Television Awards 2008.

Forsyth accepted the Fellowship for his exceptional contribution to television and film – including huge entertainment hits like Strictly Come Dancing, Play Your Cards Right and The Generation Game.

He received the honour from comedian Paul Merton at the same venue he made his big break back in 1958 – the London Palladium.

“Bruce Forsyth has been keeping viewers of all ages entertained for decades,” said John Willis, chair of the Academy’s Television Committee.

“He is the ultimate all-round entertainer. Just after his 80th birthday is the perfect time for BAFTA to recognise his huge contribution to popular television by awarding Bruce a very well-deserved Fellowship.”

Many critics say Forsyth’s greatest talent is his unique skill at interacting with the public. This was given full rein when he hosted popular variety show Sunday Night at the London Palladium, where he played games with audience members and performed with international stars.

He also won acclaim as a dancer, singer and musician on much-loved TV like The Bruce Forsyth Show. But he regularly returned to game shows that played to his strengths as a performer, including The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and Bruce’s Price Is Right. His love of catchphrases consistently captured the public’s imagination.

Over a long career Forsyth also starred in drama like The Canterville Ghost and sitcoms including Slinger’s Day. He appeared in a handful of movies too, including Bedknobs and Broomsticks and The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins.

Most recently, Forsyth indulged his love of dance, and introduced his talents to a new generation, as host of the smash Saturday night entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing.

In 2005 A BAFTA Tribute to Bruce Forsyth marked his 60 years in showbusiness when it aired on the BBC. He was knighted in 2011 for his services to entertainment and charity.

“This award came as a surprise because the only other light entertainment performers to have won the Fellowship are Morecambe and Wise and Charlie Chaplin.”
– Sir Bruce Forsyth

Awarded every year by the Academy, the BAFTA Fellowship is the highest accolade given to an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or TV.

Previous Fellows include Elizabeth Taylor, Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench.

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV explore our BAFTA Award Stories section.