Actor Jamie de Courcey completed the London Marathon recently, raising funds for The National Brain Appeal. This effort directly supports the hospital where his father, the celebrated ventriloquist Roger De Courcey, received care following a stroke. The fundraiser, which garnered significant attention, also served as a public acknowledgement of the NHS staff who were instrumental in the elder De Courcey's recovery.
The younger De Courcey, an actor himself, used the high-profile event to draw attention to the medical institution and its associated charity. His run, described as an act of gratitude, underscored a period of personal challenge for the family. Throughout the race, he carried a personal token – Nookie the stuffed bear, the iconic puppet partner of his father's legendary act – particularly during the final mile. This gesture symbolically linked his personal endeavor to his father's celebrated career.
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A Father's Legacy and Recent Health Battle
Roger De Courcey, a prominent figure in British entertainment, rose to national fame in the 1970s and 80s with his comedic ventriloquism act featuring Nookie Bear. His career, marked by a win on the ITV talent show 'New Faces' in 1976, included numerous television appearances, Las Vegas seasons, and West End shows. De Courcey, born in 1944, also extended his influence beyond performance, establishing a talent agency and holding leadership roles in various entertainment organizations.
The stroke, which occurred in 2022 when De Courcey was 79, brought a sudden health crisis. Prior to this, he had reportedly been in good health. The period of hospitalization involved not only medical treatment but also family efforts to maintain his spirits. The family's connection to The National Brain Appeal was further solidified through actor Joanna David, a friend and former trustee of the charity, who had herself undergone life-saving surgery at the same hospital.
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Jamie de Courcey’s participation in the marathon was met with family support, including his wife, actress Amara Karan, their son Alex, and other relatives who attended the event, holding cheering signs. The son's current activities with his father include simple shared moments like watching television together, reflecting a renewed appreciation for domestic life following the health scare. The agency founded by Roger De Courcey, Dick Horsey Management Limited, was dissolved in July 2025.
