Variety, the Children’s Charity wishes to express its great sadness on hearing of the death of Sir Bruce Forsyth on 18th August 2017.

Sir Bruce was a longstanding and loyal supporter of Variety over his fifty years association with the charity. Over the years he was involved in a number of different ways. Highlights included his Captaincy of the Variety Club Golf Society in 1968, a particularly apt position for him given his well-known lifelong love of the game and winning the Variety Club Personality of the Year award in 1975.

In 2008, Sir Bruce, or just Bruce as he still was at that time, was the guest of honour at a gala Tribute Dinner held at The Dorchester recognising his life-long commitment to Variety. At the event, in front of a host of friends, fellow stars and Variety supporters, he was presented with an award celebrating his outstanding contribution to show business.

There to see his friend, receive his award was fellow Variety stalwart, Jimmy Tarbuck OBE who spoke movingly about his great friend and golfing partner.

“Dear Sir Bruce Forsyth was very instrumental along with Dickie Henderson in getting me into golf. They were both very big supporters of the Variety Club Golf Society in its formative years. Bruce won many awards from the Variety Club and they were thoroughly deserved. Along with Variety, the Golf Society and all the children, we thank him for his wonderful support and it goes without saying a big thank you for the wonderful entertainment he gave us all for over 60 years.”

Nick Shattock, Chief Barker 2017 said:

“We are saddened to hear the news of Sir Bruce’s passing and offer his family our condolences. He was a fantastic supporter of Variety and will be sorely missed.”

Sir Bruce genuinely was a star of stage, screen and golf course and he will be greatly missed by everyone here at Variety.