QUEENSLAND, Australia, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- British comedian and variety performer Max Bygraves has died in his Queensland, Australia, home, his family said. He was 89.
Bygraves had suffered from Alzheimer's disease and was being cared for by his daughter, Christine, since the death of his wife last year, The Guardian reported Saturday.
Son Anthony Bygraves said his father hoped to see his 90th birthday.
"It wasn't to be. He just slipped away. Although his death isn't unexpected, it has still come as a shock. We are all terribly sad. Until last year he could still sing along with his old CDs. He knew all the words and even which track was coming up next," Anthony said.
Max, born in 1922 as Walter Bygraves, began his career in show business just after World War II when he appeared on stage with Frankie Howerd, Benny Hill, Harry Secombe and Spike Milligan, The Guardian reported.
He appeared on television, singing and acting in variety shows and in the 1980s hosted the game show "Family Fortunes." He was perhaps best known for his catch phrase, "I wanna tell you a story," Britain's The Telegraph reported.
Bygraves and his wife moved to Australia in 2005.
