Glen Michael, a beloved figure in Scottish children’s television, has passed away after captivating young audiences for nearly three decades with his show Glen Michael’s Cartoon Cavalcade on STV.
Michael died at his residence in Maidens, South Ayrshire, on Wednesday due to a brief illness, according to his family as reported by STV News. He was 99 years old.
“My father passed away peacefully at his home, which was his wish, rather than in a hospital. He was surrounded by loved ones and passed serenely, taking one final breath,” his son Yonnie shared with the Mirror. “He had hoped to reach his 100th birthday to receive a telegram from the King, but unfortunately, he didn’t make it. However, up until six weeks before he fell ill, he was still driving and even recorded a video for the Erskine veterans charity in his garden, flawlessly in a single take. He remained a performer till the very end.”
Originally named Cecil Edward Buckland, he was born in Devon in 1926. He adopted the stage name Glen Michael, inspired by famed bandleader Glen Millar, as he embarked on a showbiz career. Prior to his service in the RAF during World War II, Michael entertained British troops with performances alongside his wife, Beryl. His career later saw him share the stage with notable figures such as Jack Milroy, Rikki Fulton, Stanley Baxter, and Jimmy Logan.
Michael’s most notable contribution to television was through Glen Michael’s Cartoon Cavalcade, an STV program that became synonymous with his name. He hosted and contributed to the show for 26 years, from 1966 until its conclusion in 1992. At the height of its popularity, as reported by The Times, the show captured 98% of the television viewing audience in Scotland. An urban legend even suggests that during the 1970s and 1980s, the streets of Glasgow were safer when the show was on air, as children were glued to their screens instead of playing outdoors.
“We are deeply saddened by Glen Michael’s passing. He was a remarkable entertainer who left a lasting impression on many,” said Bobby Hain, Managing Director of Audience at STV. “Glen Michael’s Cartoon Cavalcade was a beloved show that entertained children across Scotland for over two decades. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them,” Hain added.
Beyond his television work, Michael was also among the first presenters on Radio Clyde when it launched in 1974, and he made a cameo appearance in the 2010 film adaptation of Kickass, although his scene was not included in the final cut of the movie.
Michael is survived by his two sons, Yonnie, a journalist, and Chris Buckland, who has worked on productions such as Outlander. His wife, Beryl, predeceased him several years ago.
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