Tommy Cooper: A Comedian's Final Performance
Legendary comedian Tommy Cooper was known for his outlandish skits and jokes that would make it seem as if the routine went horribly wrong. However, this was all just part of the fun, and viewers were charmed by Tommy's ability to carry on. But on April 15, 1984, Tommy, then aged 63, met his end live on TV, right in the middle of one of his skits. Performing on Live From Her Majesty's, he collapsed on stage after suffering a massive heart attack. Tommy was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His long-term health battles, as well as his alcoholism, were ruled as contributing factors to his death.
Michael Lush: A Stunt Gone Wrong
During a broadcast of The Late, Late Breakfast Show on November 13, 1986, things went horribly wrong for stuntman Michael Lush. The show, hosted by Noel Edmonds, was known for its big and daring stunts. But things came crashing down when Michael tragically fell to his death during the first rehearsal of a live stunt. Lush was due to bungee jump from an exploding box 120 feet in the air, but the carabiner connecting his rope to the crane sprang off. Lush died instantly on impact. The show was cancelled two days later. Noel Edmonds confirmed the show had been put to rest as he did not "have the heart to carry on."
Christine Chubbuck: A News Presenter's Suicide
News presenter Christine Chubbuck's death shocked millions of viewers who had tuned into a bulletin in Sarasota, Florida. On July 15, 1974, Christine started the bulletin, then jammed the feed and read: "In keeping with the WXLT practice of presenting the most immediate and complete reports of local blood-and-guts news, TV-40 presents what is believed to be a television first. In living colour, an exclusive coverage of an attempted suicide." She then took out a revolver and shot herself in the head. She died fourteen hours later. Chubbuck had suffered heavily from depression and was frustrated with the station's demand for more sensationalist news.
Alison Parker: On-Air Murder
Journalist Alison Parker was gunned down live on air while conducting an interview in Virginia. The presenter had been speaking about an upcoming anniversary when eight shots were heard, followed by screams. The feed was cut, but both Alison and cameraman Adam Ward were pronounced dead at the scene. The perpetrator, Vester Lee Flanagan II, had previously worked at the same TV station but was fired for unacceptable behaviour. He took his own life five hours after the incident.
Alan Partridge: A Fictional Death
Steve Coogan's fictional character Alan Partridge was infamously retired from his spoof chat show Knowing Me, Knowing You in 1994. In the final episode, a prop gun Alan was holding accidentally discharges and kills guest Forbes McAllister. The incident caused chaos at the BBC, leading to the show's cancellation. However, critics lauded the episode, and Steve Coogan received a BAFTA nomination for Light Entertainment Performance.
