Sir Terry Wogan's best life advice
Pearls of wisdom from veteran broadcaster, who has died aged 77
Tributes continue to pour in for Sir Terry Wogan, the BBC presenter who died yesterday at the age of 77, after what his family described as a "short but brave" battle with cancer.
"Terry established himself as one of the greatest and most popular radio hosts this country has ever heard," said BBC Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan. "We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with [his wife] Helen and all the family."
Graham Norton, who succeeded Sir Terry as the BBC's commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest, tweeted: "He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Limerick-born TV and radio presenter's career spanned more than 50 years, with highlights including his long-running BBC Radio 2 breakfast show Wake Up to Wogan, TV quiz show Blankety Blank and the annual Children in Need telethon. Sir Terry was also renowned for his sardonic commentary of the Eurovision Song Contest. A dual citizen of Ireland and Britain, he was knighted in 2005 and regularly described as a national treasure.
Sir Terry's soft-spoken wit and wisdom enthralled millions. Here are five of his most memorable gems:
On the Eurovision Song Contest: "Who knows what hellish future lies ahead? Actually, I do. I've seen the rehearsals."
"Gratuitously hurtful folk declare that I am very popular in hospitals because the listeners abed there are too weak to reach out and switch me off."
"Go out and face the world secure in the knowledge that everybody else thinks they are better-looking than they are as well."
"The only physical adornments which grow bigger with passing years are the nose and ears. The rest, regrettably, diminishes."
On broadcasting: "Get on your toes, keep your wits about you, say goodnight politely when it’s over, go home and enjoy your dinner."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'All too often, we get caught up in tunnel vision'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
2024: the year of legacy media failures
In the Spotlight From election criticism to continued layoffs, the media has had it tough in 2024
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Marty Makary: the medical contrarian who will lead the FDA
In the Spotlight What Johns Hopkins surgeon and commentator Marty Makary will bring to the FDA
By David Faris Published
-
Mishal Husain: BBC journalist shares her six favourite books
The Week Recommends Newsreader and Radio 4 presenter picks works by Louisa May Alcott, Jamil Ahmad and more
By The Week UK Published
-
Eurovision 2024: how is politics playing out in Sweden?
Today's big question World's most popular song contest 'has always been politically charged' but 'this year perhaps more so than ever'
By The Week UK Published
-
Eurovision stars weigh politics and principles as calls for boycott over Israel grow
Under The Radar One of the biggest artistic competitions on Earth finds itself in the middle of a widening debate about if — and how — to address the ongoing war in Gaza
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Annie Nightingale obituary: the trailblazing DJ who was Radio 1's longest-serving presenter
Obituary The first female DJ on BBC Radio 1, Nightingale paved the way for Annie Mac, Jo Whiley, Zoe Ball, Sara Cox and many more
By The Week Staff Published
-
Is Eurovision finally cool?
feature Many British fans of Eurovision speak enthusiastically about its tolerance and openness
By The Week Staff Published
-
The most eccentric Eurovision performances of all time
In Depth From a turkey DJ to misfiring double entendres, the contest has never lacked for oddity
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Mae Muller: the UK’s ‘fresh-faced’ Eurovision contestant
In the Spotlight The 25-year-old pop star has already toured with stars such as Little Mix
By Ellie Pink Published
-
Eurovision 2023: what you need to know about Liverpool extravaganza
In Depth This year’s hosts, current favourites and new voting rules
By Ellie Pink Last updated