Michael Barrymore, born Michael Ciaran Parker on May 4, 1952, in Bermondsey, London, embarked on his entertainment career as a Redcoat at Butlins holiday camps. He later transitioned to the West End theatre in London, where he met his future wife and manager, Cheryl Cocklin.

His early career was marked by a variety of roles, including appearances on shows like Blankety Blank and as a warm-up man for The Generation Game.

Rise to Stardom

Barrymore’s breakthrough came in 1975 when he won an edition of New Faces, leading to regular television appearances. His unique comedic style and charisma quickly made him a popular figure on British TV.

In 1983, he got his own sketch show, The Michael Barrymore Show, on ITV, although it was short-lived.

Television Success

Barrymore’s fame skyrocketed in the mid-1980s when he became the host of the ITV game show Strike It Lucky, which later became Strike It Rich. The show’s success was phenomenal, attracting up to 18 million viewers at its peak.

In 1991, he launched his own variety show, Barrymore, which featured interviews, comedy routines, and performances. This show solidified his status as a top entertainer in the UK, running throughout the 1990s until 2000.

Career Highlights

Barrymore’s career was filled with notable achievements. He headlined the Royal Variety Performance in 1993 and appeared in various other shows, including Kids Say the Funniest Things and My Kind of Music.

He was also a regular feature in the Royal Variety Performance shows, starting from 1983. His popularity led him to become one of the UK’s highest-paid TV stars from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s.

Personal Struggles and Controversy

Despite his professional success, Barrymore faced personal challenges, including a public battle with substance abuse. He went into rehab in 1994 and openly struggled with alcohol and drug addiction.

His career faced a significant downturn following the tragic death of Stuart Lubbock at his house in 2001, leading to intense media scrutiny and legal investigations.

Attempts at Revival

Post-2001, Barrymore attempted to revive his career with appearances on shows like Celebrity Big Brother and various stage performances.

He moved to New Zealand and continued to perform live shows in New Zealand and Australia. In 2006, he participated in Celebrity Big Brother, finishing as the runner-up. However, these efforts were not enough to bring him back to his former glory.

Later Years

In recent years, Barrymore has appeared in various television shows and stage plays, including a role in Scrooge – The Musical and Surviving Spike. He also made appearances on Irish television and was involved in reality TV shows like Come Dine with Me. Despite these efforts, his television career never fully recovered to its previous heights.

Personal life

Barrymore’s personal life has been as eventful as his career. In 1995, he made headlines by coming out as gay and separating from his wife, Cheryl Cocklin. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 2001 with the Stuart Lubbock incident at his Essex home.

This controversy had a profound impact on his career and personal life, leading to a decline in his professional engagements and financial earnings.