Sir Paul Fox, former BBC executive who oversaw the launch of Dad’s Army, has sadly died at the age of 98.
The former executive was the head of many classic TV shows including The Two Ronnies and talk show Parkinson. He also devised the iconic BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Sir Paul Fox dies aged 98
Paying tribute to the broadcasting legend, and his incredible career, BBC Director-General, Tim Davie said in a statement: “Few people have had such a broad and lasting impact on the TV landscape, commissioning shows that audiences have loved for decades and still love.
“From Sports Personality Of The Year and Panorama to The Two Ronnies, Dad’s Army and Parkinson, his legacy is unmatched.
“He was one of the best TV executives from a golden era in television. He will be hugely missed,” the BBC boss emotionally concluded.
Paul first joined the corporation in 1950, as a newsreel scriptwriter, and four years later, the first BBC Sports Personality Of The Year was awarded, off the back of his idea. The award ceremony is still going strong to this day.
In the early 70’s he was responsible for commissioning iconic shows including The Two Ronnies, Bruce Forsyth, and the Generation Game.
After an incredible four-decade career, Fox retired in 1991 and was knighted for his services to the TV industry that same year.
Tributes pour in for the ‘Broadcasting Titan’
As the devasting news breaks, friends, colleagues and TV fans across the globe are paying tribute to the star on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Very sad news about Paul Fox. One of the pioneers in the golden age of television, he understood both the medium and the creative process which allowed programs to blossom under his watch,” penned one.
“Sir Paul Fox deserved the overused term ‘legend’ – he was a broadcasting Titan. On a personal note, he contributed to several projects of mine – from the TV Centre doc to the biographies of Verity Lambert and Biddy Baxter. Razor sharp, acerbic, wise and kind,” wrote fellow producer, Richard Marson.
A third wrote: “He always came across as a very nice bloke. He achieved so much in his career, and yet he was also fortunate enough to enjoy over thirty years of happy retirement.”
The post 'One of the best from the Golden Era of television' sadly dies as tributes pour in appeared first on Celebrity Tidbit.
