Harry Leonard Carpenter OBE (17 October 1925 – 20 March 2010) was a British BBC sports commentator broadcasting from the early 1950s until his retirement in 1994. His speciality was boxing. He was presenter of programmes such as Sportsnight (1975–1985) and Grandstand and also anchored coverage of Wimbledon and golf tournaments.
October 17, 1925, South Norwood, London, United Kingdom
Died
March 22, 2010, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
Place Of Birth
South Norwood, Surrey, England, UK
Profession
Director, Actor
Awards
Order of the British Empire
TV Shows
Grand Prix
Star Sign
Libra
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Quote
1
There are far more occasions when you shouldn't be speaking than when you should. You're there to help people, and you must only speak when you feel you can help them. It's pointless telling them what they can patently see for themselves.
2
On the 1974 fight in Kinshasa, Zaire: Suddenly, Ali looks very tired indeed. In fact, Ali, at times now, looks as though he can barely lift his arms up. Oh's he's got him with a right hand! He's got him! Oh you can't believe it. And I don't think Foreman's going to get up. He's trying to beat the count. And he's out! Oh my God, he's won the title back at 32!
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Fact
1
His father was the vice-president of an amateur boxing club.
2
He was a Morse-code operator in the Royal Navy during WWII.
3
When he applied for a job as boxing commentator at the BBC, there was no boxing footage available with which to audition. He provided commentary for a football (soccer) match instead.
4
In 1989, he was named International Sportscaster of the Year by the American Sportscasters Association.
5
He reported on the Olympics, the British Open, Wimbledon, and annual Oxford and Cambridge University boat races on the Thames River.
6
He was awarded International Sportscaster of the Year by the American Sportscasters Association in 1989.
7
He made his broadcast debut in 1949 as a commentator for BBC television at an amateur boxing bout in a London Factory canteen. He retired in 1994.
8
He served the British Royal Navy during World War II as a telegrapher aboard destroyer.
9
He is survived by his son.
10
Became a household name in the UK during the Frank Bruno boxing era, due to the latter's catchphrase of "Know what I mean 'Arry", during their post-match interviews together.
11
He occasionally anchored programmes like "Grandstand" and "Wimbledon", in addition to his regular role as host of "Sportsnight".
Director
Title
Year
Status
Character
101 Greatest Knockouts: Round 2
2006
Video
The Prince Who Is King
1999
Video
Harry Carpenter Presents Boxing Bedlam
1998
Video
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Knockout Kings 2000
1999
Video Game
InGame Commentator (voice)
Vendetta
1968
TV Series
Commentator
Scott On...
1965
TV Series
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Fight
2004
TV Mini-Series documentary
Himself - Boxing Historian
This Is Your Life
1991-1993
TV Series documentary
Himself
Celebrity Squares
1993
TV Series
Himself
Pebble Mill at One
1992
TV Series
Himself
The Royal Variety Performance 1989
1989
TV Movie
Himself
Wogan
1989
TV Series
Himself
Blankety Blank
1988
TV Series
Himself
Wimbledon
1985-1986
TV Series
Himself - Presenter
Grandstand
1977-1982
TV Series
Himself - Boxing commentator / Himself - Golf Commentary / Himself - Boxing Commentator
Sports Review of the Year 1974
1974
TV Special
Himself - Presenter
Sportsnight
1971
TV Series
Commentry.
The Magic Christian
1969
Himself - TV Commentator (uncredited)
Quiz Ball
1966
TV Series
Himself - Guest Supporter
Sportsview
1959-1964
TV Series
Himself - Commentator
Sports Personality of the Year
1954
TV Series
Himself - Presenter
The Boat Race
1938
TV Series
Himself - Commentator & Presenter
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Muhammad Ali: The Greatest
2016
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Comedy Classics of the 80's
1991
Video
Himself
Known for movies
Sportsnight (1971) as Commentry.
101 Greatest Knockouts: Round 2 (2006) as Director
Harry Carpenter Presents Boxing Bedlam (1998) as Director
$11 Million