Kelly Monteith dead aged 80: US comedian who starred on Des O’Connor Tonight dies

US comedian Kelly Monteith, who was best known for his self-titled BBC comedy show, has died at the age of 80.

Monteith died at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family on New Year’s Day, The Anglophile Channel – an LA-based production company which he worked with over the years, announced on Tuesday.

The stand-up first gained prominence in the UK on the BBC’s Des O’Connor Tonight and later wrote and starred in his own self-titled BBC show – which ran for six seasons between 1979 and 1984.

In the series, which was part sitcom and part sketch show, he would break the fourth wall and allow the audience a glimpse into his dressing room.

The series went on to win the Silver Rose for the broadcaster at the Montreux Television Festival in Switzerland.

Monteith also performed at the Royal Variety Performance in 1983 in front of Queen Elizabeth II.

The comedian’s time in the UK was also significant as this is where he met his future wife Caroline.

In a statement shared by The Anglophile Channel, Caroline recalled how people would come up to meet him while they were dining out in London.

She said: “He was always so kind to them and generous with his time. He loved meeting and interacting with his fans.”

In America, he featured on a number of shows including as a guest on NBC’s The Tonight Show and had a variety show on CBS titled The Kelly Monteith Show.

He later hosted Kelly Monteith’s BBC Memories with The Anglophile Channel, which is dedicated to British culture and entertainment.

In February 2021, Monteith suffered a stroke and struggled to come back from his debilitating illness for almost two years.