Val Parnell

Valentine Charles Parnell (14 February 1892 – 22 September 1972) was a British television managing director and presenter, actor and theatrical impresario. A former staple of stage production, his career in television started with the launch of the ITV network in 1955.

Life and career Parnell was born in London, the son of Fred Russell ( Thomas Frederick Parnell), a ventriloquist. He began his theatrical career at age 13 working as an office boy for a music-hall circuit.

In 1956 he was appointed managing director of Associated Television (ATV).

He lost his position as managing director of ATV to Lew Grade in 1962 but remained on the board.

When it became known in 1966 that this fate awaited the London Palladium, Prince Littler organised a take-over to save the theatre and Val Parnell retired to live in France.

He died of a heart attack on 22 September 1972 and was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, where a memorial plaque was erected in the West Courtyard at the end of the columbarium.