Sir Howard's last show

Sir Howard Morrison performs in Hamilton during 2006. Photo by NZPA.
Sir Howard Morrison performs in Hamilton during 2006. Photo by NZPA.
Within hours of Sir Howard Morrison (74) giving his final radio interview, the "Ed Hillary of entertainment" had died.

Radio Dunedin announcer Neil Collins recorded the telephone interview with Sir Howard on Wednesday afternoon for his show.

It was aired yesterday morning.

Mr Collins and Sir Howard were long-time friends and hosted many shows together during his 50-year career.

The interview was as much a "catch-up" on an old friend, as it was a reflective chat about his career highlights, Mr Collins said.

While Sir Howard was his usual cheery self, he sounded breathless and chesty - occasionally coughing - during the interview from his home in Rotorua.

"Listening to the recording now, you can hear he doesn't sound well. I thought he may have just been tired from his trip," Mr Collins said.

The 74-year-old had recently returned from a holiday in Rarotonga where he was promoting Fight for the Future, a campaign aimed at improving Maori and Polynesian health.

Radio Dunedin announcer Neil Collins plays his final interview with Sir Howard yesterday. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
Radio Dunedin announcer Neil Collins plays his final interview with Sir Howard yesterday. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
During the interview, Sir Howard was twice asked about his own health and maintained he was fine.

He mentioned he had had a triple heart bypass in 1991 and that he had recently had a hip replacement, from which he had been slow to recover.

"I can't sprint down the street any more," he said with a chuckle, "but my pipes [voice] are still good."

Mr Collins, like many around the country, was shocked to hear of his passing.

"He was a great showman. I call him the Ed Hillary of entertainment in New Zealand."

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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