Jimmy Savile was an English DJ, television presenter and media personality, widely known in Britain for his eccentric image, which included his platinum-dyed hair, flamboyant tracksuits and large cigars.
He rose to fame in the 1960s as a DJ on Radio Luxembourg and later as a presenter on the BBC television show “Top of the Pops”.
He also became famous for his show “Jim’ll Fix It”, where he granted the wishes of viewers, especially children.
Despite his image as a prominent philanthropist, investigations following his death revealed a darker side to his life, exposing decades-long allegations of sexual abuse.
File
- – Full name: Sir James Wilson Vincent Savile
- – Nickname: Jimmy Savile
- – Date of birth: October 31, 1926
- – Age: 84 (at the time of death in 2011)
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Leeds, England
- – Nationality: British
- – Occupation: DJ, TV host, media personality
- – Height: 172 cm (5 feet 8 inches)
- – Parents: Vincent Joseph Marie Savile, Agnes Monica Savile
- – Siblings: John Savile, Marjory Savile, Joan Savile, Christina Savile, Mary Savile, Vincent Savile
- – Wife/husband: None
- – Children: None
- – Relationship status: Unmarried
- – Religion: None
- – Ethnicity: White
- – Net worth: $10.1 million
Early life and education
Jimmy Savile was born in Leeds, England, on October 31, 1926. He will be 98 years old in 2024. He is the youngest of seven children in a Roman Catholic family. His father, Vincent Joseph Marie Savile, worked as an insurance agent and bookmaker, while his mother, Agnes Monica Savile, ran the household.
Savile attended St. Anne’s School in Leeds, where he became known for his mischievous behaviour. During World War II, he worked as a Bevin Boy, working in coal mines and suffered a serious spinal injury in a mining accident, which influenced his later decision to pursue a career in entertainment.
Personal life
Jimmy Savile never married and claimed that his busy lifestyle as a media personality made it impossible for him to maintain personal relationships. He was known for his eccentric and flamboyant public persona, including his dyed hair and outlandish outfits.
Despite his celibate public image, numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse emerged after his death, severely tarnishing his legacy.
Career
Savile’s career began in the 1950s as a DJ in dance halls. His big break came with a job at Radio Luxembourg in the late 1950s, where he became known for his energetic style and unique personality.
He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1968, presenting programmes such as “Savile’s Travels” and “Jimmy Savile’s Old Record Club”. Savile’s television career began with “Top of the Pops”, which he presented from its debut in 1964.
He then hosted “Jim’ll Fix It,” a show in which he fulfilled viewers’ wishes and aired from 1975 to 1994. Despite his success in radio, his career was later overshadowed by multiple allegations of sexual abuse.
Prize
- – Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to charity (1971)
- – Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great (KCSG) awarded by Pope John Paul II (1990)
- – Many of his honorary degrees and awards for charity work were re-evaluated after his misconduct was discovered.
Net worth
Jimmy Savile’s net worth is estimated to be $10.1 million. He amassed his wealth through a long career in radio and television, as well as through various business ventures and real estate investments.
Death
Jimmy Savile died of pneumonia on 29 October 2011, aged 84. He was found dead at his home in Roundhay, Leeds, just two days before his 85th birthday.
His death initially sparked widespread public mourning, but quickly turned to outrage when the full extent of his abuse was revealed.
Argumentative
Following Savile’s death, an extensive investigation revealed that he had sexually abused hundreds of individuals, many of them children, over decades. The scandal involved a wide range of organisations, including the BBC, hospitals and nurseries where Savile had volunteered or worked.
Reports suggested that Savile used his celebrity status and charitable work to gain access to vulnerable individuals. Despite earlier rumours and complaints, his crimes were not fully exposed until after his death, leading to widespread criticism of organisations that had failed to act on earlier allegations.
The BBC has come under significant scrutiny for its handling of the allegations, and an independent review has found systemic failures in tackling abuse. The scandal has had a profound impact on public trust in these organisations and led to reforms in the way sexual abuse allegations are handled.
Social media
- – Instagram: None
- – Twitter: None
List of movies played
- – Young at Heart (1960)
- – Top Pop (1964–2006)
- – Clunk Click Every Trip (1973–1974)
- – Jim Will Fix It (1975–1994)
- – When Louis Met Jimmy (2000)
- – Jim Will Strike Again (2007)
Book
- – As It Happens (1974)
- – Love is a difficult thing (1976)
- – God Will Fix It (1979)
- – Jimmy Savile: Life in the Limelight (1980)
