Bill Dare
Bill Dare | |
---|---|
Born | London, England | 16 May 1960
Died | 1 March 2025 | (aged 64)
Nationality | English |
Alma mater | University of Manchester |
Occupation(s) | Author, director, writer, producer |
Known for | Dead Ringers The Now Show |
Parent(s) | Peter Jones and Jeri Jones |
William Dare Jones (16 May 1960 – 1 March 2025), known professionally as Bill Dare, was an English writer and producer of radio and television comedy programmes.[1]
Early life and career
[edit]Bill Dare Jones was born in London on 16 May 1960,[2] as the son of actor, screenwriter and broadcaster Peter Jones.[3] He attended Manchester University.[4]
Dare was an author and producer/devisor of various (mainly comedy) programmes mainly for BBC Radio and television, including The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Dead Ringers, The Now Show, The Late Edition, I've Never Seen Star Wars and The Secret World, and Brian Gulliver's Travels. He was also the producer of eight series of ITV's Spitting Image.[5] A notable feature of the radio version of Dead Ringers was Jon Culshaw imitating the voice of Tom Baker at the end of the credits, saying Dare's name in an exaggerated fashion.
Personal life and death
[edit]Dare had a daughter named Rebecca from a relationship with Mary Downes. Dare married Lucy Jagger in 2020.[6][7]
Dare died following a traffic collision abroad on 1 March 2025.[2] His death was announced by his agent two days later, on 3 March.[6][3] He was 64.[8] He received tributes from several comedians and industry colleagues.[6][9][10] Dead Ringers star Jon Culshaw remembered Dare as the "wisest comedy alchemist and the dearest, dearest friend."[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "How to get producers and agents to read your scripts – BCG Pro". British Comedy Guide. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Bill Dare, creative force behind comedy shows from Spitting Image to Dead Ringers". The Telegraph. 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
- ^ a b Duff, Seamus (3 March 2025). "Spitting Image and Radio 4 comedy genius Bill Dare dies in accident abroad". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
- ^ Young, Graham (5 June 1993). "Spitting Image celebrates its 100th edition next week – but producer Bill Dare admits the Royal Family's antics have now upstaged the famous show itself!". Birmingham Evening Mail. Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Smith, Andrew (12 June 1993). "Puppet masters". The Journal. Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d Muir, Ellie (4 March 2025). "Bill Dare death: Spitting Image star dies after overseas accident". The Independent. Retrieved 4 March 2025.
- ^ https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/mar/07/bill-dare-obituary
- ^ Rawnsley, Jessica (4 March 2025). "Bill Dare: Spitting Image and Dead Ringers creator dies". BBC News. Retrieved 4 March 2025.
- ^ Crabbe, Ellie (4 March 2025). "Dead Ringers creator Bill Dare dies after accident overseas, says agent". The Standard. Retrieved 4 March 2025.
- ^ "Tributes paid to 'wisest comedy alchemist' as Spitting Image star and Dead Ringers producer dies in tragic 'accident'". LBC. Retrieved 4 March 2025.