First memoirs... at the age of 85

Jimmy Tarbuck has written his autobiography – more than 60 years after his first TV appearance.

The book, Laughter is the Best Medicine, is to be published in November and is described as ‘a nostalgic and personal journey through the golden age of British entertainment’.

Tarbuck – the 85-year-old father of Taskmaster star Liza –  made his TV debut on Sunday Night at the Palladium in October 1963. Two years later, he was hosting the show, taking over from Bruce Forsyth.

The show reached almost 10million households at its peak and Tarby found himself introducing superstars like Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli and Rudolf Nureyev.

Then he went to America and there he was on stage with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, chatting to Elvis in Vegas and  Frank Sinatra in Miami. 

Publishers Ebury Spotlight say: ‘This was a golden age for British entertainers, and Jimmy takes us back to the camaraderie of those days, remembering his old friends Eric and Ernie, Tommy Cooper and Kenny Lynch, laughing together as they conquered the world.

‘As his incredible story shows, Jimmy has gone through life seeing the funny side of everything and, even through tough times, he knows that laughter is always the best medicine.'

 In 1965, Tarbuck became the youngest British comedian to have his own TV show, with his ITV series It’s Tarbuck! and he went on to host several  quiz shows, including Winner Takes All.

In 1994, he was awarded an OBE for his services to comedy and charity, including an annual celebrity golf championship he has run for 44 years. He was a prominent supporter of Margaret Thatcher at the height of his fame.

Five years ago. Tarbuck revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer but he continues to tour regularly.

Laughter is the Best Medicine is to be published on November 6, priced £22. It is also available from Amazon for £17.99 or from uk.bookshop.org, below, which supports independent bookstores. 

Published: 31 Jul 2025