The King Family Show singer Ric de Azevedo dies aged 75 after 'lengthy illness'

Ric de Azevedo, who starred on The King Family Show as a singer, has died at the age of 75 following a ‘lengthy illness’.

An announcement confirming his death was made The King Family, who wrote on Facebook that their ‘dear cousin and brother’ died on Tuesday March 14 while ‘surrounded by members of his family’.

‘Even though we knew this was coming, it’s always too soon and we can’t believe he’s gone. Our hearts are breaking,’ they wrote.

‘Many of you came to know and love Ric and appreciate his incredible talent through our family’s TV series, specials, records and concerts over the years.

‘Ric was a vibrant part of our family shows and audiences always delighted in his performances and cherished the many memorable moments he was a part of – from singing and dancing in our Top Twenty segments, through his beautiful solos and of course the magical moment he surprised his mom Alyce during our very first Christmas special.’

De Azevedo continued to delight audiences with his performances on the stage and screen throughout the years, and went on to become a great-grandfather in his lifetime.

‘While all of us mourn the loss of a cornerstone of our family, we are grateful for the incredible and enduring legacy he leaves us all, and grateful for the love and appreciation that each of you in our extended community of fans and friends have shown Ric and our entire family through the years,’ his loved ones said.

The King Family Show, an American musical variety series, first aired on ABC in the US from January 1965 to January 1966, before being revived in 1969.

The programme featured the vocal group The King Sisters as well as their extended family, including de Azevedo, who appeared with his parents, Alyce King Clarke and her husband Robert Clarke, as well as his brothers Lex de Azevedo and Cam Clarke.

The King Family starred in several specials, with several centred around holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.

In addition to performing on The King Family Show, de Azevedo went on to record music as a solo artist with Capitol Records.

He also worked as a producer in TV, working as an associate producer on Private Benjamin and Enos in the 1980s, as well as Young Maverick, California Fever and The Far West in the 1970s.

De Azevedo is survived by his wife of 48 years Anna; his children Jennifer and Eric; five grandchildren and a great-grandchild; seven nieces and three nephews; and hundreds of extended family members.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Follow Metro on Snapchat

You can follow our new Snapchat show Pop Cultur’d, the go-to place for all things pop culture.

Keep up with the latest Showbiz exclusives by following Metro Showbiz on Snapchat.

And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more on Metro Football on Snapchat.

Source: Read Full Article