Ivan Owen

Ivan Owen was a British actor and puppeteer who was best known for creating and performing the well-known UK puppet Basil Brush. He performed Basil from his first appearance in the 1960s up until his death in 2000, which I must say shows that he's famous. Ivan met Basil's designer Peter Firman prior to his debut voicing the character, as well as doing the puppetry as well. Owen also voiced another famous TV puppet known as Fred Barker who was seen on a show called Five O'clock Club. After the first on-screen appearance of Basil in 1963, the character returned to star in his own television series between 1968 and the 1980s. It's a shame though that Basil Brush never guest appeared with the Muppets during their time in the UK, though the performer probably never heard of them. During the 1970s, Ivan Owen strangely remained anonymous, never giving interviews or allowing himself to be photographed, well except for only one known picture of himself above. The reason for his anonymity was because he said that if he ever got interviewed, it would "break Basil's spell", probably meaning the magic of the puppet will be gone. Oddly enough, following his retirement as Basil's voice, he recorded one radio interview which I personally think is very strange indeed. As mentioned above, Ivan died in 2000 from cancer a little after his retirement, luckily Basil Brush has since been in the hands of Michael Winsor. I wonder if Owen himself handed the role over to Winsor after his retirement and before his death. This performer will never be forgotten as the inventor and original performer of Basil Brush. Though Winsor's version gave the puppet more movement besides the mouth. Ivan Owen, you really brought to life a well-known UK puppet character who is still seen on television to this very day. I hope you're watching from above and feel proud of Michael Winsor for keeping your character going, right after you've left. No matter who does Basil Brush, you're the inventor. Rest in peace Ivan. You will never be forgotten Owen!