Broadcaster Robert Robinson dies at 83
Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 2:05 amRobert Robinson, the veteran broadcaster and presenter, has died at the age of 83.
In a career spanning five decades, he presented a wealth of radio and television programmes for the BBC.
They included Ask the Family, Stop the Week and Call My Bluff. Mr Robinson also had a stint presenting Radio 4's Today programme.
He died in St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, after a long period of ill health.
His daughter, Susie Robinson, said: "He had a very long, productive and successful life and we'll all miss him terribly."
Robert Robinson was born in Liverpool and went on to study at Oxford University.
There he met Josee Richard, the actress to whom he was married for more than 40 years.
'Humble calling'
He began his career in magazines and newspapers, developing a dogged interview technique for which he would become famous on radio.
In 1974, his tenure at the Today programme was crowned when he was made Radio Personality of the Year.
But it was what he called his "humble calling" - hosting quiz shows - that most will remember him for.
He revelled in the role of quizmaster on such long-running game shows as Radio 4's Brain of Britain.
Mr Robinson only stood down as chairman of the show last year.
Hard to believe he was 83. Seems like only yesterday he was on our screens.