Paul Chuckle Awarded MBE: A Festivity of Comedy, Charity, and a Brother’s Legacy
Paul Chuckle, one half of the beloved comedy duo The Chuckle Brothers, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his dedicated service to the Marie Curie charity. this honor recognizes not only his decades of bringing joy to generations through television and live performances, but also his impactful philanthropic work. Let’s delve into the story behind this well-deserved recognition,and explore the remarkable career and personal life of a true British entertainment icon.
From Opportunity Knocks to National Treasures
Paul and his brother, Barry Chuckle, began their journey to stardom in 1967, winning the popular talent show Opportunity Knocks. This victory launched a prolific career spanning several decades,encompassing appearances on classic British television programs like Lennie And Jerry and The Good Old Days.
Their breakthrough came with ChuckleVision,a children’s show that captivated audiences for an remarkable 21 series between 1987 and 2009. The show’s slapstick humour and iconic catchphrases – “To me, to you!” being the most famous - cemented their status as household names. You likely remember the infectious laughter and playful energy that defined the show.
A Lifelong Bond and a Devastating Loss
beyond their professional partnership, Paul and Barry shared an incredibly close personal bond. Paul often described his brother as his best friend, stating that losing Barry was “like losing my right arm.” They began performing together in showbusiness when Paul was just 15 and Barry was 18, and remained inseparable throughout their lives.
Paul fondly recalled their dynamic, explaining, “I was the feed and he was the comic - the Ernie Wise to his Eric Morecambe.” This illustrates the perfectly balanced comedic partnership that made them so successful. The loss of Barry in 2018 was deeply felt by fans and colleagues alike.
Giving Back: Paul Chuckle’s Commitment to Marie Curie
Paul’s MBE isn’t solely a recognition of his comedic talent; it’s also a testament to his unwavering support for Marie Curie. He first became aware of the charity through a television advertisement and spontaneously took to Twitter (now X) to encourage his followers to donate.
his simple tweet – suggesting each follower donate just £1 – sparked a significant fundraising effort. Marie Curie subsequently contacted him, and a lasting partnership was born. Paul’s dedication has made a “huge difference” to the charity, according to Marie Curie’s chief executive, Matthew Reed.
What Does Marie Curie Do?
Marie Curie provides vital end-of-life care for individuals living with terminal illnesses. They also offer crucial support to families and friends navigating the challenges of loss. The charity relies heavily on fundraising and public donations to continue its essential work. You can learn more and contribute at Marie Curie Website.
The MBE: A “Splendid Shock”
Paul described receiving the letter informing him of his MBE as a “wonderful shock.” He shared his excitement, admitting he was ”getting tingles” just thinking about the ceremony, which will likely take place at either Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace.
He graciously acknowledged marie Curie’s role in his nomination, expressing his gratitude for the recognition. It’s a moment he considers “probably the best shock I’ve ever had in my life.”
Beyond ChuckleVision: A Continued Presence
Even after Barry’s passing, Paul has remained active in the entertainment industry. He’s appeared on shows like The Real Marigold Hotel and participated in charity quiz shows, including Pointless celebrities and Celebrity Mastermind.
His enduring popularity was further highlighted in 2014 when he and Barry released a charity single, “To Me, To You (Bruv),” featuring grime artist Tinchy Stryder. the single garnered three million downloads and led to a performance at the Bestival music festival.
Key Takeaways:
* A Legacy of Laughter: The Chuckle Brothers brought joy to generations with their unique brand of slapstick comedy.
* Philanthropic Dedication: Paul Chuckle’s commitment to Marie Curie has made a significant impact on the charity’s ability to provide end-of
