From his Saturday morning show Happy Talk, to his performances at schools around the country and his rousing emceeing of events, Victor Khoo had been a fixture in the lives of Singaporeans for over three decades. Together with his puppet partner Charlee, he toured the world with his ventriloquist act, becoming a household name. The iconic entertainer died on Friday, June 6, following a long battle with cancer. He was 63.
Singaporeans from all walks of life remembered Khoo fondly, thanking him for the years of laughter, and sharing their childhood memories of his shows.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid tribute to Khoo in a post on his Facebook page.
“Victor was a well-loved ventriloquist and entertainer. Very sad to learn that he passed away after a long battle with cancer. Victor and his puppet, Charlee, often performed at events I attended, and I always enjoyed the shows. Charlee was cheeky but remarkably well informed. Children loved Charlee, and listened faithfully to his radio show Happy Talk on Saturday mornings.”
PM Lee also celebrated Khoo’s philanthropic efforts. “He contributed to society in many ways. After his first wife died several years ago, he did good work to support the breast cancer cause.”
Also posting on Facebook, musician and Cultural Medallion awardee Jeremy Monteiro described the impact that Khoo had on entertainment and the arts in Singapore. “The word ‘Icon’ is bandied about as loosely as ‘Uber’ or ‘Awesome’ or ‘Epic’. Most of the time, people are just describing their lunch,” he said. “There are many so-called Icons in Singapore today... but that word is not enough to describe Mr. Victor Khoo.” Monteiro placed Khoo alongside the likes of Zubir Said and Kuo Pao Kun, recognising their significance to Singaporean culture. “When they go, it's as though there is one less star in the sky."
Author Neil Humphreys tweeted about Khoo’s universal appeal, and summed up his distinct sense of humour. “Victor Khoo made kids laugh. He made adults laugh like kids. He had a kid accidentally say 'chee bye' on his radio show. A fine legacy.”
Khoo’s family issued a statement which was published in full by Channel NewsAsia.
“From the family of the late Victor Khoo:
We are sad to announce that our dear husband, father, brother and uncle, Victor Khoo, passed away peacefully early this morning. He had fought bravely against cancer for some years. He was 63 years old.
Many people remember Victor for the huge impact he had on the entertainment scene, in Singapore and abroad. He was a pioneer in so many ways, from his early days in Rediffusion, to his defining corporate events, to film making, and of course his iconic work with Charlee - whom he always considered a business partner. He played a major role in the evolution of numerous aspects of the live entertainment scene. His jokes are still being retold at events today.
We remember him for his generosity, his wit, his unfailing optimism, and his warmth and affection. He always had time for his family and close friends. Even at the end, he had a smile and a squeeze of the hand for us and all who visited.
Victor leaves behind his sons Barry (and his wife, Madeline) and Brandon, from his first marriage to the late Lam May Yee; he is survived by his wife Shellen, and daughters, Victoria and Vanessa. Victor came from a large family with 11 siblings in all; he leaves them behind together with his siblings-in-law and many nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces.
We will miss him terribly.”
From his Saturday morning show Happy Talk, to his performances at schools around the country and his rousing emceeing of events, Victor Khoo had been a fixture in the lives of Singaporeans for over three decades. Together with his puppet partner Charlee, he toured the world with his ventriloquist act, becoming a household name. The iconic entertainer died on Friday, June 6, following a long battle with cancer. He was 63.
Singaporeans from all walks of life remembered Khoo fondly, thanking him for the years of laughter, and sharing their childhood memories of his shows.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid tribute to Khoo in a post on his Facebook page.
“Victor was a well-loved ventriloquist and entertainer. Very sad to learn that he passed away after a long battle with cancer. Victor and his puppet, Charlee, often performed at events I attended, and I always enjoyed the shows. Charlee was cheeky but remarkably well informed. Children loved Charlee, and listened faithfully to his radio show Happy Talk on Saturday mornings.”
PM Lee also celebrated Khoo’s philanthropic efforts. “He contributed to society in many ways. After his first wife died several years ago, he did good work to support the breast cancer cause.”
Also posting on Facebook, musician and Cultural Medallion awardee Jeremy Monteiro described the impact that Khoo had on entertainment and the arts in Singapore. “The word ‘Icon’ is bandied about as loosely as ‘Uber’ or ‘Awesome’ or ‘Epic’. Most of the time, people are just describing their lunch,” he said. “There are many so-called Icons in Singapore today... but that word is not enough to describe Mr. Victor Khoo.” Monteiro placed Khoo alongside the likes of Zubir Said and Kuo Pao Kun, recognising their significance to Singaporean culture. “When they go, it's as though there is one less star in the sky."
Author Neil Humphreys tweeted about Khoo’s universal appeal, and summed up his distinct sense of humour. “Victor Khoo made kids laugh. He made adults laugh like kids. He had a kid accidentally say 'chee bye' on his radio show. A fine legacy.”
Khoo’s family issued a statement which was published in full by Channel NewsAsia.
“From the family of the late Victor Khoo:
We are sad to announce that our dear husband, father, brother and uncle, Victor Khoo, passed away peacefully early this morning. He had fought bravely against cancer for some years. He was 63 years old.
Many people remember Victor for the huge impact he had on the entertainment scene, in Singapore and abroad. He was a pioneer in so many ways, from his early days in Rediffusion, to his defining corporate events, to film making, and of course his iconic work with Charlee - whom he always considered a business partner. He played a major role in the evolution of numerous aspects of the live entertainment scene. His jokes are still being retold at events today.
We remember him for his generosity, his wit, his unfailing optimism, and his warmth and affection. He always had time for his family and close friends. Even at the end, he had a smile and a squeeze of the hand for us and all who visited.
Victor leaves behind his sons Barry (and his wife, Madeline) and Brandon, from his first marriage to the late Lam May Yee; he is survived by his wife Shellen, and daughters, Victoria and Vanessa. Victor came from a large family with 11 siblings in all; he leaves them behind together with his siblings-in-law and many nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces.
We will miss him terribly.”