SINGAPORE, June 8 — Well-known ventriloquist Victor Khoo died yesterday morning at age 63, after battling cancer for years.
A prominent entertainer both in local and international circles, Mr Khoo was most famous for his ventriloquist act with his puppet Charlee. He was also a voice on the radio that many Singaporeans grew up with.
In a statement his family released yesterday, they lauded his pioneering work, and said “even at the end, he had a smile and squeeze of the hand for us and all who visited”.
“Many people remember Victor for the huge impact he had on the entertainment scene, in Singapore and abroad. He was a pioneer in so many ways, from his early days in Rediffusion, to his defining corporate events, to film-making, and of course his iconic work with Charlee — whom he always considered a business partner,” said his family.
“He played a major role in the evolution of numerous aspects of the live entertainment scene. His jokes are still being retold at events today.”
Mr Khoo is survived by his sons Barry and Brandon, from his first marriage to the late Lam May Yee, as well as his wife Shellen, and their daughters Victoria and Vanessa. — TODAY
