Former Countdown star and legendary cartoonist Bill Tidy has died at the age of 89.
The talented and super speedy illustrator was awarded an MBE in 2000 for services to journalism and helped to set up the British Cartoonists' Association. The artist spent many years living in Southport and he will be fondly remembered for his widely published comic strips.
His health had declined after two major strokes, his relatives said. The legendary artist passed away with his children Sylvia and Rob, who was his full-time carer, by his side.
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Sylvia, who runs a PR agency, said: “Today is one of the hardest days of my life. Dad was a talented and very funny man, as well as the UK’s best-loved cartoonist.”
Bill, was born in Liverpool and sold his first cartoon to a Japanese newspaper in 1955 – the year he left the Army. In 1975, he was the subject of This Is Your Life. Bill was a regular guest in dictionary corner on Channel 4 ’s Countdown, as well as on TV’s Watercolour Challenge, Through the Keyhole, and Blankety Blank.
As his work became more well-known and began finding spots in the likes of the Daily Sketch and The Daily Mirror, he moved to London, where he formed the British Cartoonists’ Association with the help of some colleagues on Fleet Street. Throughout his career, he wrote 20 books, and illustrated 70.
He was also well-known for his immense charitable work, and when in Southport, he was always happy to support local causes through his artwork. Tributes also poured in from famous faces including Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes who simply said that Bill was a "very special man" who "will never die". Composer Tim Rice said: "Bill will be missed not only for his great talent but for his warmth, wit, and wisdom."
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