GlynTucker
- Presenter
Being a big man with a “face like the map of Ireland” made him an unlikely starter, but in the mid-70s Glyn Tucker was one of New Zealand’s best known screen personalities. The larger-than-life character was a racing guru, and also a popular radio then TV presenter: his television roles ranged across sports commentator, punting pundit, crooner and light entertainment show host.
Biography
Glyn Tucker was born in post World War I Wellington, to a Welsh miner Dad and English schoolteacher Mum. He learned to sing around the family piano and by 18 was crooning in the capital’s dance halls, where he was billed as “New Zealand’s Bing Crosby”. Tucker also performed during the interval at Wellington’s De Luxe Theatre (now the Embassy), accompanied by a Wurlitzer organ.
Screenography
Awards
1984 Member of the British Empire (MBE)
For Services to the NZ Thoroughbred Racing Industry
1977 Kensington Carpets Sunday News TV Awards
Best Sports Commentator
“Any performer who can switch from a nosebag at Trentham on a cool frosty morning (Sports Extra) to warm-hearted song and dance man on Sunday Nights (Everything is Beautiful) has a range not many can emulate.”