Radio Disc Jockey Alan Freeman has died aged 79

**Andrés Verdú** · 28th November 2006, 02:51 PM

Hello everyone,

I am so sad to learn of the passing of Alan Freeman, who was 79 years old. Alan Freeman was probably best known as a radio DJ, in a UK career spanning over five decades since he joined the BBC in 1960. Affectionately referred to as "Fluff" because of the favourite jumper he wore until it became covered in fluff balls, Alan Freeman became famous as the presenter of the radio chart show, "Pick of the Pops", with its distinctive musical intro. He was also known for his catchphrases, such as "greetings, pop pickers" and "not 'arf".

Many people may not know that Alan Freeman was also an actor. In fact he worked with Mr Lee in the first Amicus portmanteau film, Dr Terror's House of Horrors (1965), both on board the ill-fated train. The other passengers were Neil McCallum, Roy Castle, and Donald Sutherland, all of whom were dealt their fatal hands by the sinister Dr Schreck (from the German word for "terror", hence the title), played by Peter Cushing. Those of you who have seen this film will know that Dr Schreck casts the Tarot cards to read the fortune of each passenger (stories told in the form of the different segments). Alan Freeman played Bill Rogers in the second of these segments, entitled "Creeping Vine", whose family was menaced by a climbing plant which develops a murderous tendency. This film is decidedly amongst the best ones by Amicus.

(Left to right: Alan Freeman, Neil McCallum, Christopher Lee,
Donald Sutherland, and Roy Castle, in Dr Terror's House of Horrors)

One thing I did not know about Alan Freeman was that, like Mr Lee, he was a great lover of opera, and that he too had trained to become a professional opera singer, but unfortunately, he was told that his voice, though good, was not good enough. So, in a similar way to Mr Lee, although for different reasons, he turned to an alternative career as well, namely radio broadcasting.

I know that Alan Freeman will be sadly missed by many people, especially his millions of radio listeners. My condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. You may find out more about Alan Freeman at the following links: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6187762.stm, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2940413.stm,
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6190776.stm.

"Farewell, Pop Picker!" Alan Freeman (1927-2006 - Requiescat in Pace). God bless:

With saddest affection,

Andrés

**Amber Klinge** · 28th November 2006, 09:16 PM

That is very awful. Please pray for his family during this difficult time. That is all can I say because I have also received news that my cousin passed on as well (killed in Iraq).

Regards,
Amber

**Andrés Verdú** · 28th November 2006, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber Klinge

That is very awful. Please pray for his family during this difficult time. That is all can I say because I have also received news that my cousin passed on as well (killed in Iraq).

Regards,
Amber

My deepest sympathies, Amber. I shall pray for you and your family during this sad time for you all. Take care, and God bless:

Warmest regards,

Andrés

**Joakim Lundberg** · 29th November 2006, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber Klinge

That is very awful. Please pray for his family during this difficult time. That is all can I say because I have also received news that my cousin passed on as well (killed in Iraq).

Regards,
Amber

God bless you in this difficult time Amber.

Dr Terrors House of horror is one my favourite films in this genre. It has an atmosphere that is just so chilling. A great script and a fantastic cast. Mr Lee gets to play something else for a change in a film of this kind. He is wonderful as the sarcastic art chritic who insults Michael Ghough and well...se the film.
Alan Freeman has the best story I think. A great actor.

**Helen Dyer** · 29th November 2006, 02:25 AM

My sincere condolences Amber.

Helen

Phillipe Noiret the French actor who participated in the Return of the Musketeers with Mr. Lee has also recently passed on...........

**Amber Klinge** · 29th November 2006, 04:33 AM

How could my day become any worse. Received news that my uncle has just gone missing in Iraq. Please pray for me and my family. I do hope that he will be able to come home for Christmas if he will ever does. I am about giving up hope and faith so please pray so that it would not happen.

Thanks,
Amber

**Andrés Verdú** · 30th November 2006, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen Dyer

My sincere condolences Amber.

Helen

Phillipe Noiret the French actor who participated in the Return of the Musketeers with Mr. Lee has also recently passed on...........

How sad I am to hear about Philippe Noiret passing away as well. Another wonderful actor who played one of my favourite poets of all time, the Chilean Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda, in the brilliant and beautiful film, Il Postino (1994).

(Left to right: Massimo Troisi as "Mario Ruoppolo"
and Philippe Noiret as "Pablo Neruda" reading a letter in Il Postino)

Philippe Noiret (1930-2006 - Requiescat in Pace). God bless:

With saddest affection,

Andrés

**Amber Klinge** · 30th November 2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrés Verdú

How sad I am to hear about Philippe Noiret passing away as well. Another wonderful actor who played one of my favourite poets of all time, the Chilean Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda, in the brilliant and beautiful film, Il Postino (1994).

(Left to right: Massimo Troisi as "Mario Ruoppolo"
and Philippe Noiret as "Pablo Neruda" reading a letter in Il Postino)

Philippe Noiret (1930-2006 - Requiescat in Pace). God bless:

With saddest affection,

Andrés

That is awful. I never heard of him before but I will pray for his family on the loss.

Saddest regards,
Amber