Jim Bowen

Jim Bowen (1937-2018) was a British television personality, best known as the host of the ITV gameshow Bullseye, which ran from 1981 to 1995.

Bowen was born Peter Williams in Accrington, Lancashire. Before entering the entertainment industry, he worked as a teacher. He began his career as a stand-up comedian and stage actor, performing in working men's clubs and theatres.

Bullseye proved to be a hugely popular and enduring show, attracting millions of viewers. Bowen's catchphrases, such as "Super, smashing, great!" and "Keep out of the black and into the red, nothing in this game for two in a bed," became widely recognized. The show combined darts with general knowledge questions, offering contestants the chance to win prizes ranging from relatively modest to much larger, depending on their dart-throwing ability.

Beyond Bullseye, Bowen also appeared in other television programs, including Last of the Summer Wine and Jonathan Creek. He continued to work in entertainment after Bullseye ended, primarily in stage productions and after-dinner speaking engagements. He was known for his warm and affable personality, both on and off screen, and his contribution to British television is fondly remembered. He died in March 2018 at the age of 80.