Val Parnell
| Val Parnell | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Valentine Charles Parnell 14 February 1892 London, England |
| Died |
22 September 1972 (aged 80) France |
| Occupation | Theatre and music hall impresario, television executive |
Valentine Charles Parnell (14 February 1892 – 22 September 1972), known as Val Parnell, was a British television producer and theatrical impresario.
Life and career
Parnell was born in London and began his theatrical career at age 13, working as an office boy for a music-hall circuit. By 1945 he had become Managing Director of the Moss Empires music hall and variety circuit, in charge of some of London's most prestigious theatres.
He auditioned and signed 12-year-old Julie Andrews for her first professional performance and introduced her to her manager, Charles Tucker, also known as Uncle Charlie Tucker.[1]
In 1956 he was appointed Managing Director of Associated Television (ATV). He took a personal interest in the station's output and presented the weekly musical variety show Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the London Palladium until 1965.
He lost his position on the ATV board to Lew Grade in 1962[2] and retired in 1966.
He died on 22 September 1972 aged 80, while on holiday at his luxury London flat, 64, Portsea Hall, Portsea Place. Described as having the stature of a heavyweight boxer and 6ft 2in tall, he suffered a massive heart attack and died before paramedics arrived.
In popular culture
Val Parnell is a major character (impersonated by the comedian) in Lenny Bruce's comic routine, The Palladium
References
- ↑ Windeler, Robert: "Julie Andrews: A Biography", pg 24, G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1970
- ↑ Grade, Lord Lew (1906-1998) BFI screenonline page