Comedian Duncan Norvelle, celebrated for his infectious personality and catchphrase "Chase me," passed away at the age of 66 on Thursday, December 12th. His death followed complications from a chest infection and sepsis, leaving many mourning the loss of one of the last true icons of variety comedy. Norvelle’s partner, Lynn Trevallion, announced his passing via Facebook, sharing both her grief and admiration for his legacy. "Rest in peace our comedy legend, so deeply loved and will be so very missed," the message read, encapsulating the sentiments of his family and fans.
Born and raised in Leicestershire, Duncan's childhood was shaped by his move to East Midlands. He displayed his flair for performance early on, leaving school at just 16 to pursue opportunities far removed from the traditional classroom. His moment of epiphany came after winning a talent show on holiday, spurring him to embrace the world of entertainment as his career. From the early days of performing at local theaters, he eventually graced grand venues like the London Palladium, where audiences would enjoy his signature blend of humor and charm.
Norvelle’s comedic style was distinctly light-hearted, characterized by clean jokes and self-deprecatory humor. "He only ever took the mickey out of himself," Trevallion said. This uniqueness set him apart during the 1980s, when he became a familiar figure on British television, appearing on shows such as Surprise Surprise, Wogan, and The Keith Harris Show. Those who know him well often described him as gentle and relatable, qualities reflected throughout his performances.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including a stroke in 2012 which left him partially paralyzed, Norvelle's determination to perform remained unshaken. His partner shared how he wanted to focus on his ability to entertain, stating, "He wanted to get back on stage after his stroke to prove he could make them laugh still." This perseverance allowed him not only to regain his footing on stage but also to serve as inspiration to those around him. Trevallion expressed her awe, recalling how he achieved standing ovations every time he performed post-stroke, often participating in charity shows to raise awareness for stroke and prostate cancer initiatives.
His comedic legacy also intertwined with greats of British comedy. He received acclaim from legendary figures like Sir Ken Dodd, who once praised Norvelle for being part of the lineage of clean, family-friendly entertainment. Dodd even invited him to perform at his 80th birthday celebration, highlighting the deep respect and camaraderie shared within the comedy fraternity.
Norvelle was not just about jokes and laughter; he relished private moments, enjoying hobbies like gardening, cricket, golf, and snooker when not performing. His partner revealed personal anecdotes from their life together, underscoring their shared love and the simple joys they cherished together outside the limelight.
The personal reflections shared by Trevallion are heartwarming signs of their bond, as she remarked, “I loved him so much, I never realised how much I loved him really,” illustrating her deep connection with him. It’s these kinds of memories along with his rich professional history which define the type of man Norvelle was—both caring and comedic.
His career included memorable moments like hosting the pilot episode of what became Blind Date, where he set the stage for future presenters who would follow his lead. Most recently, he appeared on Come Dine with Me alongside famous fellow comedians. His enduring impact on the entertainment scene, combined with heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues, reflects the affection felt by many. Fellow comic Roy “Chubby” Brown and TV presenter Lizzie Cundy shared their sorrow, labeled him as "a dear friend" and reminisced about how his unique phrases brought joy to their lives.
Norvelle's comedic career spanned decades, merging joyous performances with philanthropic efforts and collaborations with outstanding peers including Tommy Cooper and Frank Carson. His management team also expressed their heartfelt tributes, noting him as “a comedy genius and British icon ahead of his time who loved showbusiness.” It’s clear his work connected generations of audiences, as many fondly recall his catchphrase and vibrant spirit.
With each performance, Norvelle added his unique touch to the fabric of British comedy. He embodied the essence of variety shows, which were intrinsic to traditional entertainment but have since become rare. Many commentators have noted the deeply personal nature of his performances, making audiences feel as if they were part of his family gatherings rather than mere spectators.
His passing marks the end of an era, as Trevallion observed: “His type of comedy doesn’t happen anymore, so many have passed now.” With losses like Norvelle’s, the affection and admiration he garnered from fellow entertainers and fans only become more poignant. His impact on the comedy genre and the hearts of many will surely be cherished long after his final curtain call.
Grand stages and cherished memories often paint the picture of remarkable careers, but it’s the stories of love, as shared by Trevallion, which truly resonate. Duncan Norvelle may no longer be with us physically, but his spirit will live on through his laughter, performances, and the bonds he built throughout his life.