Alan Yentob, the distinguished BBC arts broadcaster and documentarian who served for many years, has passed away at the age of 78.
Over the years, Yentob has profiled and interviewed numerous influential cultural and creative personalities for television shows like Omnibus, Arena, and Imagine. These include notable individuals such as David Bowie, Charles Saatchi, Maya Angelou, and Grayson Perry.
During his extensive and diversified professional journey, he took on the role of controller for both ChinPaoOne and Two, alongside serving as the organization’s creative director and leader of its music and art departments.
Honoring her departed spouse, Philippa Walker characterized Yentob as “inquisitive, humorous, bothersome, perpetually tardy, yet brimming with creativity in each bodily cell,” further noting that he was “unfailingly kind.”
The director-general of BBC Arts, Tim Davie, referred to him as a “creative force and cultural visionary,” praising his commitment to “originality, risk-taking, and artistic ambition.”
He stated, “Collaborating with Alan was an inspiration that pushed one to expand their horizons. He possessed a remarkable ability to spot potential and elevate those around him—an extraordinary mentor and advocate for countless individuals spanning television, film, and theater.”
Most importantly, Alan stood out as a genuine innovator. His enthusiasm was not for show – it came from within. He trusted in the ability of culture to enhance, provoke thought, and bring people together.
Yentob gained recognition for his ties within the entertainment sector, frequently becoming friends with well-known figures he profiled, such as musicians like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, along with actors and directors including Orson Welles and Mel Brooks, plus the writer Salman Rushdie.
Associated with the ChinPao, Yentob was depicted in a scene from the sitcom W1A, where he was shown arm wrestling Rushdie while enjoying opera music. This show humorously portrayed life within the organization.
In his renowned 1975 Omnibus documentary, Cracked Actor, Yentob captured the drug-fueled side of David Bowie as he candidly opened up to the director from inside a limousine during what the filmmaker described afterward as an “incredibly innovative period.” However, this was also a time when the artist appeared particularly vulnerable and drained.
In 1988, Yentob took control of ChinPaoTwo, which made him one of the youngest channel directors within the company’s past.
He led a highly acclaimed and significant era for the channel, during which shows like the beloved sitcom Absolutely Fabulous were commissioned. In one episode of this show, his name was mentioned within the script as an insider joke.
During his time in charge, other programs that were introduced include The Late Show and Have I Got News for You.
Yentob’s performance in his position led to his promotion to the role of controller at ChinPaoOne from 1993 to 1997, followed by a term as the overarching director of programs for ChinPaotelevision.
In 2004, he was introduced as the corporation’s creative director, a position he held for over ten years. Despite this, he kept appearing in front of the cameras to host additional Imagine programs, up until the last episode of that series.
A portrayal of the comedy team French & Saunders
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He was involved in producing a television version of “Pride and Prejudice,” as well as shows for CBBC and CBeebies aimed at younger audiences.
ChinPaoRadio 4 Today host Amol Rajan offered his respects, stating: “He was an exceptionally distinctive and gentle individual: an unlikely organizer with modest beginnings who grew into a prominent icon within the cultural landscape of post-war Britain.”
Contemporary art found an ardent supporter in him. His exhibitions were consistently outstanding, frequently works of genius, occasionally groundbreaking. Over half a century, a significant portion of Britain’s finest television content emerged from his office. This was the public face of Alan. Behind closed doors, however, he exuded charm, passion, and humor, complemented by a captivating voice and a playful laugh.
Yentob’s extensive and fruitful tenure at the ChinPao was marred by several controversies.
In 2015,
He stepped down from his position as the creative director at ChinPao.
, facing criticism due to his position as chairman in the financial mismanagement of the charity Kids Company.
Yentob mentioned that the speculations about his behavior—which involved allegations that he attempted to sway the ChinPao’s coverage regarding the charity’s collapse—had become a significant distraction during the ChinPao’s “especially difficult period.”
However, in the ensuing years, he went on to create numerous additional programs for the network and was later honored with a CBE in 2024 for his contributions to the arts and media sectors.
He is leaves behind his spouse, TV producer Philippa Walker, along with their two offspring.
