Farewell, Andrew Harwood
Submitted by debritz on February 10, 2008 - 13:48.
I was sad to hear of the death of Andrew Harwood. He was a radio announcer, whose career began in Warwick, south-west of Brisbane, in the late 1960s, an actor on the Paul Hogan Show, and the son of American-Australian theatre legend Ena Harwood. I remember him best, however, as host of It's Academic - the high school quiz program on which I almost appeared as a child. (I was the team reserve, but none of the others got ill.)
Poor old Andrew. I was only
Poor old Andrew. I was only talking about him the other day with my wife. Some of your more mature readers may remember the commercial for "Selley's Spot Lifter" featuring Andrew Harwood. Handy should you ever spill soup on your tie while dining out ! Well, my wife and I were over at Redcliffe on Friday, having lunch. She happened to spill a little soup of her blouse and I exclaimed that she needed the product as advertised by Andrew Harwood ! That's what I call a coincidence.
Yes, I have fond memories of "It's Academic". My highschool team made it to the quarter-finals, around 1976 I believe. Technical faults continually interrupted the taping. Andrew Harwood was the consumate professional, taking it all in his stride and doing his best to keep the contestants calm and centred on the task at hand when the camera started rolling again.
Another great memory that I have is of Andrew singing a song dedicated to his mother, Ena Harwood, on some SEVEN network variety show or other. No sooner had the final note left his mouth when Ena pounced and pushed a custard pie into his face exclaiming "He was always a sloppy eater".
Brad, you may be
I so looked forward to
I so looked forward to andrew being on the radio again one day. Like his mother he was a real character.
Hello I was blessed to work
Hello
I was blessed to work with Andrew as producer of what became 'The Pecker Club' on 2UE in the early 80's. Today at his funeral a wonderful crowd showed up from the industry, family and friends. Andrew was probably the most underrated genius in the media at that time and was totally comfortable being absurd one moment and totally eloquent the next. The material he created in those days was well before the current crop of comedy on the radio and he made most of it up as he went along. Many of his programs would make great study for any radio students out there. I only ever saw a few It's Academics but what I saw featured 'vintage Andrew' if you knew where to look. Vale
By the way - if anyone out there knows has any of Andrew's material or where to get it, I would love to hear form you. I am determined not to let his influence be forgotten
Well I am glad to hear that
Well I am glad to hear that Andrews funeral went well as I was one person who should have been there who was not.You never hear about how he and Lillian were seperated for years. I was the love of his life for most of the last 17 years, some people new, but not many.
His wife new about me and we were not close, so for years we kept it secret.But at a time like this in this situation, there is not the comfort for us.
I chose to stay away and mourn him on my own.It is not fair that the one secret long love of his life must do that. I guess that is the price I pay.
But I had the best of him, and I still do, our love was not a charade that had to be put on with the wife he was seperated from.
I would not go to mingle in the growd, just as a visitor at my loves funeral.
I only found out that Andrew
I only found out that Andrew had died when I saw it mentioned on the Logies last night. My only dealings with Andrew were some 30 odd years ago when I dealt with him commercially. He was a thorough gentleman and although he didn't know it at the time, he got me started on what was to become my life's venture in the bus industry. I would like to think that I have suceeded and it started with Andrew and "It's Acedemic".
Far too early.
I, too, only found out about
I, too, only found out about Andrew's passing last night on the Logies.
I was overseas for almost two years, hence I didn't know.
Believe it or not, I am also very interested in buses. How did Andrew get you started in them?
Regards
Gary
I too, only heard of
I too, only heard of Andrew's passing on the Logies last night. I had not known before this. My father had a Cafe in Warwick, where Andrew was an announcer in the late 60's. He would often come in for meals. He was an absolute wonderful person. I was only in my late teens but he always treated me and my family very well.
Farewell Andrew.
It's amazing how Andrew
I, too, only found out about
I, too, only found out about Andrew's passing on the Logies last night. I was fortunate to meet Andrew when I was 21 years of age in 1972. I won a Woman's Day contest and he was my date. He was a thorough gentleman and I was also able to spend time with him during his day's on It's Academic and also during his Sunday morning and then night time radio on 2UE. I still have my "scrapbook". I feel a little sad today.
I was shocked to hear that
I was shocked to hear that Andrew Harwood had passed away. I too heard the news on the Logies.
I used to enjoy him very much on the radio with his fun competitions and great conversation. Only the other day I was wondering what happened to Andrew.
Such a shame he seemed to be a very clever and caring man.
Best wishes to his wife and daughters
I was very saddened, not
I was very saddened, not only was I a fan, but worked with this man at WKO when he was hosting many of his quiz shows.
Remember Sandra, the then CEO's love interest from St Ives (sadly now RIP), she went out of her way to ensure his programs worked, a PR drama queen to the end, but unfortunately caused her own downfall with her agressive approach, an approach JC (CEO) did not flirt with.
RIP - Andrew Harwood.
I was on It's Academic
I was on It's Academic Challenge in 1971 and captained the winning team. I went to Hong Kong with Sandra Martin and John Collins when they made a joint production with the BBC called "Trans World Top Team". I knew Sandra had died some years ago, but I have never been able to find out what happened to John. Do you know?
No, but perhaps someone
Hello. I did hear of the
Hello. I did hear of the death of Andrew Harwood, and I must admit I was pretty shocked. Of course I recall the tv show 'It's Academic' as we were all very fond of the series!
Then, in the mid 70's, I had a waitressing job in Double Bay. During my time there, I had the privilege to meet Andrew, and his mother Ena, while tending tables.
I found them to be really natural, and very nice people! Ena was charming, and Andrew was a fun-loving type of person, and they would come fairly regularly for chit chat with friends; while having coffee, tea etc.
I am sure he will be remembered, as well as his mother; as a creative force in the Australian Entertainment Industry.
Regards, Natasha O'Sullivan
I was friends with Andrew
I was friends with Andrew for many years, but sadly lost touch about 18 years ago. The friendship started some 30 yeara ago when we lived across the hall from each other. He was truly a genius! Probably one of the most intelligent people I knew, along with his brother James who, when I last had contact, was a doctor. I knew Ena as well and remember many a lively discussion with the whole family. I knew Andrew's first and second wives and his daughter. I don't know if he had any children after that.
It's true, he could be quirky and whacky and he had a wicked sense of humour. I don't know anyone who better understood the human condition and how people relate to each other. I'm sorry we lost touch and even more sorry to have heard that such an interesting and lovely man has gone.
This is the first I have
This is the first I have been able to look up anything about Andrew since my dear friend died just over a year again now.I received a text message from him a few weeks before he died when he got back from New York visiting his daughter. I told him not to go, as he said that the doctors did not want him to go. We were going to Las Vegas last year as that was his favourite place.But sadly we did not take that trip, I read the email everyday and the last thing he said was luv ya,A. Little did I know that that I would loose my precious Andrew after that. I have known him for 17 years and have a lot of memories and he was my best friend. We went through a lot together, he was even attacked at my front garden by a stalker who was stalking both of us.....so much I should write a book.I knew him so well, funny that was one of his favourite songs, but i did.Things people will never know, that I will take to the grave.
He is the most wonderful man I have ever known, he lives in my heart forever and I am so thankful to have had him in my life for all those years as the love of my life and best friend.
I know you are still with me my love,forever yours.The angels send you my kisses and my tears.
Michelle xxxxxx
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