Jim Bowen

Jim Bowen (born Peter Williams on 20 August 1937) is an English stand-up comedian and TV personality. He is best known as the long-time host of the ITV gameshow Bullseye, which he hosted from its beginning in September 1981 until the end of series 15 in July 1995.

Early life

Bowen was born in Heswall, Wirral in Cheshire, adopted by Joe and Annie Whittaker of Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire(who changed his name to James Whittaker) and educated at Accrington Grammar School in Lancashire and Chester Diocesan Training College. At 15 he was a bin man in Burnley and then trained as a PE teacher at schools in Lancashire , before becoming a deputy headmaster of Caton Primary School near Lancaster. Bowen originally gained a degree in mathematics and early years education at Lancaster University.

Beginnings in showbusiness

While teaching Bowen became involved with the local dramatic society which kindled his interest in showbusiness. In the 1960s he worked part-time as a stand-up comedian on the northern club circuit, balancing his comedy career with his day job as a teacher. The advent of Granada TV’s The Comedians gave him the opportunity to appear on national television which ultimately helped persuade him to become a full-time entertainer.

Podcasts:

PLAYLIST TIME:

Latest News for: jim bowen

Edit

David Walliams says Simon Cowell was 'not happy' when he won Best TV Judge

RTE 02 Apr 2025
David Walliams said Simon Cowell was not happy when the comedian won Best TV Judge for Britain's Got Talent at the National Television Awards ... "I did an impression of Frankie Howerd and you (Lucas) did an impression of Jim Bowen who hosted Bullseye.".
Edit

David Walliams says Simon Cowell was ‘not happy’ when he won Best TV Judge

AOL 01 Apr 2025
Matt and I were the funny ones in our groups, and we were brought together,” Walliams said. “We both did impressions. “I did an impression of Frankie Howerd and you (Lucas) did an impression of Jim Bowen who hosted Bullseye.” ... I was starring ... .
Edit

MLB insider predicts Yankees steal Blue Jays star with $147 million deal

Sportingnews 25 Mar 2025
Given that question mark on the Yankees roster, Major League Baseball insider Jim Bowen predicted that the Yankees will make a blockbuster addition next offseason by stealing away Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette and moving him to third base ... .
  • 1
×