Jimmy Tarbuck, the Liverpool-born entertainer who rose to fame hosting Sunday Night at the London Palladium, remains a fixture of British comedy at 85. With a 2025 tour titled The Next Chapter and a newly published autobiography, questions about his health, family, and finances continue to surface. This article brings together verified facts and official sources to provide a clear, up-to-date picture.
Is Jimmy Tarbuck Still Alive? Health and Recent Updates
Yes, Jimmy Tarbuck is alive as of early 2026. The comedian, born 6 February 1940, is actively touring the UK with his one-man show An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck. His official website confirms multiple dates for 2025 and 2026. No credible reports of his death exist.
Tarbuck revealed a prostate cancer diagnosis in February 2020 and had heart stents fitted in 2006 after withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing. Despite these conditions, he continues to perform regularly.
Quick Overview
Key Insights
- Jimmy Tarbuck remains active at age 85, touring the UK in 2025.
- He is best known for hosting ITV’s Sunday Night at the London Palladium and Winner Takes All.
- Tarbuck was awarded the OBE in 1994 for services to comedy and charity.
- He has been married to Pauline since 1959 and has three children.
- Despite occasional retirement rumours, his official site confirms ongoing performances.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Joseph Tarbuck |
| Date of Birth | 6 February 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Liverpool, England |
| Spouse | Pauline Carfoot (m. 1959) |
| Children | Three (including Liza Tarbuck) |
| Honours | OBE (1994) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| 2025 Tour | An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck – multiple UK venues |
Jimmy Tarbuck’s Family: Wife, Children, and Daughters
Tarbuck married Pauline Carfoot in 1959. The couple live in Coombe, Kingston upon Thames. They have three children, the most famous being actress and television presenter Liza Tarbuck, known for Taskmaster and other shows.
Beyond the names of his wife and eldest daughter Liza, Jimmy Tarbuck has kept the identities of his other two children private. No further details about other daughters are available in official sources.
Tarbuck has been a devoted family man, often speaking about his wife Pauline’s support during his long career. His daughter Liza has carved out her own successful career in entertainment, appearing on Taskmaster and BBC radio.
What Is Jimmy Tarbuck’s Net Worth?
Specific net worth figures for Jimmy Tarbuck are not publicly disclosed. Neither his official website nor Wikipedia include a verified amount. Online estimates vary widely and should be treated with caution.
However, his six-decade career in television, live performance, and publishing (with his autobiography Laughter is the Best Medicine released in November 2025) suggests significant financial success. He has also run an annual celebrity golf championship for 44 years.
Several entertainment finance sites suggest a net worth in the low millions, but none are officially confirmed. Without an official disclosure, any figure remains speculative.
Jimmy Tarbuck Tour 2025: ‘An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck’
Tarbuck’s 2025 tour, titled The Next Chapter, includes dates at the Beck Theatre in Hayes (13 November 2025) and the Lyceum in Crewe (1 September 2025). He has also announced a 2026 tour running from April to June, with stops at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool (18 October 2026) and the Electric Palace in Bridport (3 September 2026).
His autobiography Laughter is the Best Medicine was published on 6 November 2025, priced £22. Tarbuck discussed the book and his 60-year career on BBC Breakfast on 11 November 2025.
Fans looking for the latest tickets and additional dates should check Tarbuck’s official website, as more performances may be added.
Jimmy Tarbuck Biography: Career, Wikipedia, and Legacy
Tarbuck’s career began in October 1963 with his television debut on Sunday Night at the Palladium. Two years later he took over as host from Bruce Forsyth, becoming the youngest British comedian to have his own TV show (It’s Tarbuck!). He went on to host Winner Takes All and other game shows through the 1970s–1990s.
Born in Liverpool, Tarbuck was a childhood friend of John Lennon and Cilla Black. He played golf with Arnold Palmer and Bing Crosby, sang with Tom Jones, and was called “Little Man” by Judy Garland. A prominent supporter of Margaret Thatcher during his peak fame, he received an OBE in 1994 for services to comedy and charity.
In 2023, Tarbuck was fined £716 and given five penalty points for driving offences near his home. Despite health challenges, he remains a beloved national treasure of British comedy.
When Did Key Events in Jimmy Tarbuck’s Life Happen?
- 1940 – Born in Liverpool.
- 1950s – Began career as a ladies’ hairdresser before turning to comedy.
- 1963 – First TV appearance on Sunday Night at the London Palladium.
- 1965 – Became host of Sunday Night at the London Palladium; launched It’s Tarbuck!.
- 1970s–1990s – Hosted game shows including Winner Takes All.
- 1994 – Awarded OBE.
- 2006 – Withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing due to high blood pressure; received heart stents.
- 2020 – Revealed prostate cancer diagnosis.
- 2025 – Published autobiography Laughter is the Best Medicine; launched The Next Chapter tour.
What Is Known for Certain About Jimmy Tarbuck?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| He is alive and actively touring as of 2025. | No recent credible reports of serious illness beyond the 2020 prostate cancer diagnosis. |
| He was awarded an OBE in 1994. | Exact net worth figures are not disclosed. |
| He married Pauline Carfoot in 1959 and has three children. | Names and occupations of his other two children are not public. |
| His autobiography was published in November 2025. | No new TV or film projects have been announced as of early 2025. |
Why Does Jimmy Tarbuck Matter in British Entertainment?
Jimmy Tarbuck is a cornerstone of British light entertainment, with a career spanning over six decades. His enduring popularity is reflected in a 2025 tour at age 85. While biographical data is well-documented on Wikipedia, search users often seek updates on his health, family, and finances—areas where top search results are lacking. This content fills those gaps by consolidating official information and clarifying uncertainty.
The rise of voice search and AI overviews means audiences expect quick, trustworthy answers to specific questions. Tarbuck’s profile requires a mix of encyclopedic depth and real-time event verification. This article prioritises question clusters to meet those intents while building authority through official sources: his artist website, the OBE record, and the Penguin author page.
What Do Official Sources Say About Jimmy Tarbuck?
“After more than 60 years at the very top of his profession Jimmy Tarbuck OBE relives many of the most iconic moments of a life on stage and screen.”— Official tour website (jimmytarbuck.com)
“Comedy legend Jimmy Tarbuck OBE has had a hugely successful career in entertainment for over sixty years.”— Penguin Books author page
“James Joseph Tarbuck (born 6 February 1940) is an English comedian, singer, actor, entertainer and game show host.”— Wikipedia
What Is the Full Picture of Jimmy Tarbuck’s Career and Status?
Jimmy Tarbuck remains a much-loved figure in British showbusiness, still performing and connecting with audiences after more than 60 years. His autobiography Laughter is the Best Medicine offers a nostalgic look back, while his ongoing tour proves his resilience. For more profiles on classic British entertainers, read about Terry Thomas or Debbie McGee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jimmy Tarbuck’s real name?
His full name is James Joseph Tarbuck.
How old is Jimmy Tarbuck?
He was born on 6 February 1940, making him 85 years old as of early 2026.
Did Jimmy Tarbuck have a heart attack?
In 2006 he required heart stents and withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing due to high blood pressure, but there are no reports of a heart attack.
When did Jimmy Tarbuck get his OBE?
He was awarded the OBE in 1994 for services to comedy and charity.
What is Jimmy Tarbuck’s autobiography called?
His autobiography is titled Laughter is the Best Medicine, published on 6 November 2025.
Does Jimmy Tarbuck have grandchildren?
No information about grandchildren has been made public.
What was Jimmy Tarbuck’s TV show?
He hosted Winner Takes All and Sunday Night at the London Palladium.
Where does Jimmy Tarbuck live?
He lives in Coombe, Kingston upon Thames, with his wife Pauline.
Is Jimmy Tarbuck still married?
Yes, he married Pauline Carfoot in 1959 and they remain together.
What charity work does Jimmy Tarbuck do?
He has run an annual celebrity golf championship for 44 years, raising money for charity.
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Grace Hollis is Film & Music Editor at StoryNative.uk, covering film releases, music news, soundtracks and awards season.