Henry Kelly, the beloved TV presenter known for his role on Game for a Laugh, spent his last years in a quiet, secluded £1.5m home in North London.
He passed away at the age of 78 on Tuesday after battling ill health, leaving behind his devoted wife, Karolyn Shindler.
Neighbors Reflect on Kelly’s Legacy
Those living nearby in the peaceful cul-de-sac near Hampstead Heath fondly remembered Henry Kelly.
Neighbors described him as a kind and private man who always made time to speak to those around him.
“He always had a smile for anyone he met,” said one neighbor, recalling their encounters with Kelly, who had lived in the charming cottage for over 20 years with his wife.
Locals were saddened by his passing and expressed their support for Karolyn during this difficult time.
A Regular at the Local Pub
Kelly was a familiar face at The Old Bull and Bush, a cozy pub just a minute’s walk from his home.
Meghan Johnson, the bar supervisor, shared that Kelly would come in at least once a week and always greeted the regulars.
“He was neat, always well-dressed, and loved chatting with anyone who remembered him from Game for a Laugh,” she recalled.
His visits were a source of warmth for the local community, and he will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
Kelly’s Early Career and Personal Life
Born in Dublin, Henry Kelly’s career began in journalism, where he worked for The Irish Times during the turbulent 1970s and 1980s, covering the civil unrest and the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
He transitioned to television in 1976, joining the BBC as a reporter and presenter for The World Tonight.
However, in 1980, Kelly shifted careers to become a light entertainment presenter, co-hosting Game for a Laugh alongside Jeremy Beadle and others.
He later went on to host Going For Gold for ten seasons and became one of the original presenters of Classic FM.
Kelly’s wife, Karolyn Shindler, also had a significant career in media.
She was a former BBC producer and editor and contributed to various prestigious platforms, including the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
Family and Legacy
Henry Kelly’s family, including his children, Siobhan (44) and Alexander (27), both lawyers, were a central part of his life.
His daughter Siobhan often spoke about the pride he took in his work during The Troubles, reflecting on the time he spent in Northern Ireland.
“That was probably his proudest time,” she shared, recalling how much he valued his work for The Irish Times during that period.
Siobhan also highlighted how her father’s unwavering love and support shaped her and her brother Alexander’s paths.
Kelly’s death marks the end of an era for many who fondly remember his TV presence, his legacy in both the media and his family’s lives, and his lasting impact on those who knew him well.