Peter O’Sullevan was an Irish-American horse racing commentator best known for his work with the BBC and his captivating voice. He was born on March 3, 1918, in Newcastle, County Down, Ireland, and passed away on July 29, 2015, in London, England, UK.
Personal and Family Life
Peter O’Sullevan was raised by his grandparents in Surrey after his parents separated. He developed a passion for horse racing at a young age, which began in 1927 when he listened to a radio commentary. He was married to Patricia until her death on January 1, 2010.
Career Highlights
O’Sullevan had a remarkable career as a horse racing commentator, starting in 1953 and retiring in 2000. He famously covered 50 Grand Nationals and approximately 14,000 races over the years. He was the race correspondent for the Daily Express for 36 years, making him a notable figure in sports journalism.
Death and Legacy
Peter O’Sullevan died from cancer on July 29, 2015, in London. He was honored with both an OBE and a knighthood for his contributions to sports commentary, becoming the first sports commentator to receive such recognition. His voice remains iconic in the world of horse racing.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | On the Nose | Grand National commentator |
| 1997 | Shooting Fish | Race Commentator (voice) |
| 1988 | Wyatt’s Watchdogs | Peter O’Sullevan (voice) |
| 1984 | Let’s Parlez Franglais | TV Series |
| 1976 | The Morecambe & Wise Show | Announcer |
| 1973 | Casanova ’73 | Horse race caller (voice) |
| 1973 | 7 of 1 | The Voice (voice) |
| 1971 | Paul Temple | Racecourse Commentator (voice) |
| 1959 | This Is the BBC |