
Rolf Harris, the beloved former BBC presenter and convicted sex offender, has died. He is 93 years old.
The Press Association, the UK’s media agency, said it confirmed the news of Harris’ death with the registrar at Maidenhead Town Hall. He was reportedly doing poorly with neck cancer.
In a statement, his family told the BBC: “This is to confirm that Rolf Harris died recently peacefully surrounded by family and friends and has now been laid to rest. They ask that you respect their privacy. There will be no further comment. will do.”
The Australian presenter was taken to the hearts of British viewers as the twinkling and sympathetic host of shows with Animal Hospitalbut his fall was amazing.
Harris was jailed for almost six years in 2014 after being convicted of indecent assault against four women. One of his victims was a childhood friend of his daughter Bindi.
Harris, whose abuse came to light after Jimmy Savile’s atrocities came into the public domain in 2012, served three years in prison and was released in 2017. He has never apologized to his victims.
Born in Perth in 1930, Harris moved to the UK in 1952 and became an established national treasure before his crimes came to light.
A hugely popular presenter, musician, and artist, he is best known for his BBC shows including Animal Hospital and The Rolf Harris Showas well as hit songs like Jake is the Peg.
His work gave him access to Queen Elizabeth II, who posed for an official portrait with Harris to mark her 80th birthday in 2006. He was awarded an OBE, MBE, and CBE by the Queen , and won a BAFTA Fellowship in 2012, all of which were revoked after his conviction.
His crimes were the subject of an ITV documentary, which aired on streaming service ITVX last week. Produced by Optomen, the two-part series is titled Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight.