Sir David Frost, the veteran broadcaster and writer, has died of a suspected heart attack while traveling aboard the Queen Elizabeth where he was delivering a speech on Saturday night, according to the BBC. He was 74. Frost’s long career spanned journalism, heavy-hitting TV interviews, game show hosting and comedy writing. He notably conducted a series of televised sit-downs with former president Richard Nixon in 1977. They were the basis of a 2006 play by Peter Morgan, which was then adapted as Ron Howard’s 2008 film, Frost/Nixon. Michael Sheen played Frost and the film was nominated for five Oscars. In the early 1960s, Frost hosted the satirical program That Was The Week That Was on the BBC and also featured on an American version for NBC from 1964-1965. In 1968, he helped launch London Weekend Television, which is now part of ITV. His other on-air TV credits included The Frost Report, The David Frost Show, Through The Keyhole, Breakfast With Frost and, more recently, Frost Over The World for Al Jazeera English. A statement released by his family today said details of a memorial service will be announced in due course.
I had the great pleasure to meet Sir David many years ago. He was a man who suffered fools lightly, but had a kind and compassionate way about him. He was highly intelligent, and with him dies a piece of journalistic history.
A GREAT man, with a Great career behind him. R.I.P
My first job in TV was at The David Frost Show. It was and I think still remains one of the best talk shows ever produced. David’s ability to draw out guests was incredible. He was the most interesting and dynamic personality on both sides of the Atlantic. He had a great team of producers (Peter Baker, Bob Carman, Jean Brown, Karen Prettyman, along with the support of Group W.
While many people will remember him for the Frost/Nixon Interview, I’ll prefer to remember his amazing interviews with Orson Wells, Stokley Carmichael, Truman Capote, Maurice Chevalier, Barbara Jordan, Spiro Agnew, Johnny Carson, Richard Pryor, Howard Cosell, Jerry Lewis, Tiny Tim and Louis Armstrong.
RIP David…you helped shape my career and showed me that hard work, humor and information always matter.
And, for those of you old enough to remember, let’s not forget THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS, the first “entertainment/current affairs” program that discussed,dissected and dissed the people and events in the news in an intelligent and entertaining way. He will be missed.
He was kind and fearless, courageous and inspiring. RIP
That was the week that was …… partially formed the man I am today. Grandfather to the daily show.
Hello Good Evening and Welcome those were the words from a true icon in television journalism.
TWTWTW will and should be remembered as the forerunner of SNL and all the satire shows since its inception. A brilliant journalist and interviewer. The academy and BBC should pay a massive tribute to his memory. RIP
Too bad the American media has been in a pout over Frost’s success in getting Nixon to talk. The bias was so evident in that “Frost/Nixon” movie. Nixon hated American journalists, but allowed Frost to seduce him with his class, warmth, and brilliant interview skills. Frost was a giant in his field.
Gee, sorry to hear about this. He was the first anchor of the nationally-syndicated “Inside Edition,” which was later anchored by Bill O’Reily and is currently anchored by Deborah Norville. Rest in peace, Sir David.
Just a lovely talented man who will be sadly missed by all who knew and watched him R I P sir david frost.
A wonderful, warm, witty, kind and incredibly generous man. He was an enormous talent, leaving behind a formidable body of work. A true inspiration both personally and professionally. Rest in peace.
I grew up with you and Walter Cronkite. The Giants of Journalism. Thank you Mr. Frost.
Check YouTube clips of That Was The Week That Was… in terms of content, it’s hardly any different from The Daily Show. Just fifty years earlier.
He gave us the Beatles live version of HEY JUDE that became that famous music video! Later on, aired on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Thank God, CBS held off on the job termination.
To a true gentleman and a great actor. Iv always loved your work.you will be sadly missed. Condolences to your family RIP DEL BOY
For a man who started out with the nickname “The Bubonic Plagiarist” known for stealing lines from Peter Cook, David Frost made more than good with the six odd hours of Nixon interviews. More than that, he elevated pop culture into satirical artform. And he influenced everyone in the media now whether they know it or not… For good or ill.