Kelly Monteith, American comedian, Died at 80

 Kelly Norton Monteith: Celebrating a Comedy Icon's Legacy

Kelly Norton Monteith, an exceptionally talented American entertainer, left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, acting, writing, and producing. He was best known for his acclaimed BBC comedy show, "Kelly Monteith."

Early Life

Born on October 17, 1942, as Kelly Norton Monteith, he hailed from St. Louis, Missouri.

Career

Kelly Monteith's comedy career kicked off in the early 1970s with appearances as a guest comedian on prominent talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Late Show with David Letterman.

In 1976, he ventured into variety shows with "The Kelly Monteith Show" on CBS, marking his foray into television. A significant turning point came when the BBC offered him his own series after successful guest appearances on British talk shows. In 1979, the world was introduced to "Kelly Monteith," a comedy show that ran for six seasons. It was distinctive for breaking the fourth wall, offering glimpses of Monteith in his dressing room before and after scenes. The show gained acclaim, earning the prestigious Silver Rose for the BBC at the Montreux Television Festival in Switzerland. In the United States, it was rebroadcast on the budding Arts and Entertainment Network.

In 1983, Monteith's comedic talents reached a broader audience when he performed at the esteemed Royal Variety Performance, followed by a nationwide tour.

From 2014 to 2020, Monteith co-hosted the engaging show "Brit Flix with Kelly, Paul, and Two-Buck Chuck."

In 2015, Monteith, alongside Paul Bland, received the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award for Best Television Anchor/Host by the Los Angeles Press Club.

From 2019 to 2020, Monteith revisited his past with The Anglophile Channel in "Kelly Monteith's BBC Memories," a series delving into memorable moments from his groundbreaking show, "Kelly Monteith."

Personal Life

Choosing Los Angeles, California as his home base, Monteith continued making a significant impact in the entertainment industry.

In February 2021, Monteith faced health challenges, experiencing two strokes resulting in aphasia. He underwent a two-month hospitalization at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Tragically, on January 1, 2023, Kelly Monteith passed away at the age of 80 in the comfort of his Los Angeles residence. The news was conveyed on January 2 via a statement on social media by The Anglophile Channel, a production company he had collaborated with in his later years.

He leaves behind a cherished legacy and is survived by his two children, born to his partner, Caroline Alexander. Tributes poured in from various quarters, including his "Kelly Monteith" co-star Lisa Vanderpump, along with numerous fellow comedians such as Bennett Arron, Al Murray, and John Wing Jr., all paying heartfelt homage to the comedy icon. Kelly Monteith's enduring contributions to the world of comedy will forever be celebrated and remembered.