Sir Michael Terence “Terry” Wogan, was born on the 3 August 1938 . He was a successful Irish radio and television broadcaster who worked for the BBC in the United Kingdom for most of his career. Before he retired from his BBC Radio 2 weekday breakfast programme Wake Up to Wogan in 2009, it had eight million regular listeners, making him the most listened-to radio broadcaster in Europe. Wogan began his career at a local Dublin station Raidió Teilifís Éireann where he presented shows such as Jackpot in the 1960s.
Wogan was a leading media personality in the UK from the late 1960s and was often referred to as a “national treasure”. In addition to his weekday radio show, he was known in the United Kingdom for his work for television, including the BBC One chat show Wogan, presenting Children in Need, the game show Blankety Blank and Come Dancing and as the BBC’s commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest from 1971 to 2008. Wogan used to present a two-hour Sunday morning show, Weekend Wogan, on BBC Radio 2. He also hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 in Birmingham along with Ulrika Jonsson.
Wogan was granted a knighthood in 2005. He held dual British and Irish citizenship and was thus entitled to use “Sir” in front of his name. Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. confirmed his family in a released statement.
“He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”
Sir Terry leaves wife Lady Helen and their three children. The couple also had a daughter who died in infancy.