Who Is Jimmy Savile? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Jimmy Savile was born on October 31, 1926, in Leeds, England. He was a renowned DJ and media personality, best known for his work on BBC television and radio. He garnered fame for hosting shows like "Top of the Pops" and "Jim'll Fix It." However, following his death in 2011, numerous allegations of sexual abuse were made against him, revealing a darker side to his legacy. Despite these controversies, Savile continues to be studied and analyzed as a pivotal figure in British media history.
As of 2025, Savile would have been 98 years old if he were alive today. His impact on the entertainment industry and ongoing discussions regarding his legacy prompt significant interest and debate.
Occupation | Autobiographer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | October 31, 1926 |
Age | 84 Years |
Birth Place | Burley, Leeds, England |
Horoscope | Scorpio |
Country | England |
Date of death | 29 October, 2011 |
Died Place | Roundhay, Leeds, England |
Popularity
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Jimmy Savile's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 176 lbs (80 kg)
- Measurements: Specific measurements are not widely documented, but he was known for his distinctive personal style, often wearing brightly colored tracksuits and gold jewelry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jimmy Savile was known to have a complex personal life. While he never married, he was often rumored to have had relationships with various women throughout his life. However, most details surrounding his romantic life remain vague, partly due to his enigmatic persona and the controversies that overshadowed his relationships. There were no official confirmations of any long-term partners, and reports of his dating history are often intertwined with speculation and controversy.
Savile, born in Consort Terrace, in the Burley area of Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, was the youngest of seven children (his elder siblings were Mary, Marjory, Vincent, John, Joan, and Christina) in a Roman Catholic family.
His parents were Vincent Joseph Savile (1886–1953), a bookmaker's clerk and insurance agent, and his wife, Agnes Monica Kelly (1886–1972). His paternal grandmother was Scottish, whilst his mother was of Irish descent.
Savile grew up during the Great Depression, and later claimed that he "was forged in the crucible of want." He described his father as "scrupulously honest but scrupulously broke."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2011, Savile's estimated net worth was around £4 million (approximately $5.5 million USD). This wealth was accrued from his extensive career in entertainment, including TV appearances, radio shows, and various charitable endeavors. His earnings were also supplemented by investments in several businesses during his lifetime, although details on specific income sources posthumously became complicated due to the allegations against him.
His closed satin gold coffin was displayed at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, with the last cigar he smoked and his two This Is Your Life books. Around 4,000 people visited to pay tribute. His funeral took place at the Roman Catholic Leeds Cathedral on 9 November 2011, and he was buried at Woodlands Cemetery in Scarborough.
As specified in his will, his coffin was inclined at 45 degrees to fulfil his wish to "see the sea". The coffin was encased in concrete "as a security measure".
Career, Business and Investments
Savile began his career as a DJ in the 1950s, promoting pop music in nightclubs. He transitioned to television, where he quickly became a household name. He hosted "Top of the Pops" from its inception in 1964 and "Jim'll Fix It" from 1975 until 1994, becoming synonymous with British pop culture.
In addition to his broadcast work, Savile was also involved in various charitable activities, supporting hospitals and children's charities. Posthumous investigations into his life revealed significant financial dealings and controversies, which starkly contrasted with his public image.
As a teenager during the Second World War, Savile worked in coal mines as a Bevin Boy. He began a career playing records in, and later managing, dance halls. His media career started as a disc jockey at Radio Luxembourg in 1958 and at Tyne Tees Television in 1960.
From 1964 to 1988, Savile was a regular presenter on the BBC music show Top of the Pops, also co-presenting the last edition in 2006. In 1968, he began hosting his own radio shows for Radio 1, broadcasting until 1987.
From 1975 to 1994, he presented Jim'll Fix It, an early Saturday evening television programme which arranged for the wishes of viewers, mainly children, to come true.
Social Network
Jimmy Savile had a massive following during his lifetime, connecting with fans through television, radio, and charity events. He used platforms like social media, although they were not as prevalent during his peak years. In today’s context, discussions about his life remain active on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, as individuals often share insights and opinions regarding his legacy.
In April 2000, he was the subject of a documentary by Louis Theroux, in the When Louis Met... series, in which Theroux accompanied British celebrities going about their daily business and interviewed them about their lives and experiences.
In the documentary, Savile confided that he used to beat people up and lock them in a basement during his career as a nightclub manager. When Theroux challenged Savile about rumours of paedophilia over a decade before, Savile said: "We live in a very funny world.
And it's easier for me, as a single man, to say 'I don't like children', because that puts a lot of salacious tabloid people off the hunt."
Education
Jimmy Savile received his education at various institutions in Leeds and was known to have shown an early interest in music. However, specific details about his formal education are not well-documented, as he quickly rose to prominence in the entertainment industry, which led him to pursue a full-time career in music and broadcast media.
In 2007, Savile was interviewed under caution by police investigating an allegation of indecent assault in the 1970s at the now-closed Duncroft Approved School for Girls near Staines, Surrey, where he was a regular visitor.
In October 2009, the Crown Prosecution Service advised there was insufficient evidence to take any further action and no charges were brought. In March 2008, Savile started legal proceedings against The Sun, which had linked him in several articles to child abuse at the Jersey children's home Haut de la Garenne.
At first, he denied visiting Haut de la Garenne, but later admitted he had done so following the publication of a photograph showing him at the home surrounded by children.
The States of Jersey Police said that in 2008 an allegation of an indecent assault by Savile at the home in the 1970s had been investigated, but there had been insufficient evidence to proceed.