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Michael Barrymore

Michael Barrymore, who was born Michael Kieron Parker, had his earliest taste of performing in the early '70s when he worked as an entertainer and host at Butlins, the British chain of family camps. He went on to perform in London's theater district, where he met his future wife and agent, Cheryl St Claire, who was largely responsible for his rapid rise to fame. His first television appearance came in 1977 on the family variety show "Seaside Special," and it wasn't long before he had his own program "The Michael Barrymore Show," which aired in 1983, and was making the rounds of every major television variety program. He appeared as a contestant on "Treasure Hunt" in 1985, a guest on "Joan Rivers: Can We Talk" in 1986, and hosted the quiz show "Strike it Lucky" in 1986. In 1991, he got his own program again, this one entitled "Barrymore," which ran until 2000. In 2001, scandal erupted when a man was found dead in Barrymore's swimming pool following a drug and alcohol-fueled party, effectively ending his career's ascent. Following this event, he left London to live in New Zealand. He has remained in the public eye, however, appearing on episodes of the reality shows "Celebrity Big Brother" and "Come Dine with Me."