Alan Yentob, the distinguished BBC broadcaster known for his in-depth profiles of major artists over the decades, has passed away at the age of 78.
He led several prominent television arts programs, such as Imagine, Omnibus, and Arena, and became famous for his insightful interviews with iconic figures including David Bowie, Jay-Z, Leonard Cohen, Grayson Perry, Salman Rushdie, and Orson Welles.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Yentob held several key executive roles at the BBC, including oversight of BBC One and BBC Two. During this time, he was instrumental in commissioning enduring cultural programs like Later…With Jools Holland, which debuted in 1992.
The news was shared in a statement from his family, revealing he passed away on Saturday, May 24. His wife, Philippa Walker, reflected on their life together: “With Alan, every day was filled with the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting because he was exciting.”
“He was curious, funny, a bit annoying, often late, and creative in every sense. Above all, he was incredibly kind and a man of strong moral principles. He leaves behind a legacy of love that is immeasurable.”
Born in London in 1947 to an Iraqi Jewish family, Yentob began his career at the BBC World Service in 1968 as a production assistant. He took on his first significant role as the editor of Arena in 1975.
That year, he released the documentary film Cracked Actor, which followed David Bowie during his Diamond Dogs tour in the U.S., a time when Bowie struggled with addiction. This film became a defining portrayal of Bowie’s career, revealing his mental state and creative influences.
Throughout his career, Yentob focused on musicians for his documentaries and played a pivotal role in launching Later…With Jools Holland while overseeing BBC Two, a show currently in its 66th season. While in charge of BBC One, he commissioned acclaimed productions such as Our Friends in the North and Absolutely Fabulous, and also initiated the CBBC and CBeebies channels.
Reactions to Yentob’s passing can be seen below.
“To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger,”
Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to Alan Yentob, “one of the defining figures in the story of British culture.”
More: https://t.co/yPWt5OEAf2 pic.twitter.com/64fW8E3oGt
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 25, 2025
R.I.P. ALAN YENTOB
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Yentob, the talented BBC arts broadcaster and documentary-maker, at the age of 78.
Bowie fans likely recall the fifty-minute Cracked Actor documentary, which aired fifty years ago this January… pic.twitter.com/xxkyfdxuDK
— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) May 25, 2025
We’ve lost a remarkable person. Alan Yentob was our advocate from the start… pic.twitter.com/x7bs4FvM88
— Dawn French 💙🔴🏳️🌈🇺🇦 (@Dawn_French) May 25, 2025
Very sad to hear about Alan Yentob’s passing. Here he is backstage after one of my shows, always incredibly supportive. A lovely man and a broadcasting legend. pic.twitter.com/sHhCqsffk7
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) May 25, 2025
Alan Yentob was a unique documentary maker, a natural broadcaster with an incredibly inquisitive mind. He knew how to make television captivating and thought-provoking.
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) May 25, 2025
Yentob resigned from his position as the BBC’s creative director in 2015 amid scrutiny regarding his role as chairman of Kids Company, a charity facing allegations of financial mismanagement.
He is survived by his wife, Philippa Walker, and their two children.
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