Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Lloyd Thaxton Obituary
Thaxton died of multiple myeloma Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, said his wife Barbara Thaxton.
Lloyd Thaxton was known for his comic lip-synching to rock 'n' roll songs on KCOP's "Lloyd Thaxton's Record Shop," which launched in 1959 and became a hit despite its limited budget and cardboard set. He used puppets, costumes, mime and "finger people" he drew on his thumb.
Three years later his show was revamped and renamed "Thaxton's Hop," before going national in 1964. The show was eventually renamed "The Lloyd Thaxton Show" and featured teenagers dancing to records and guest appearances by top recording artists such as Sonny and Cher and the Righteous Brothers.
He always signed off his shows by saying, "My name is Lloyd Thaxton," to which the teenage dancers would yell, "So what?"
He also worked as an Emmy Award-winning producer with the consumer advocacy program "Fight Back! With David Horowitz" and NBC's "The Today Show."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
88 Entries
Erica (Ashe) Prinster
August 30, 2022
My dad was Sam Ashe, who was known as Sam the Producer on the Lloyd Thaxton show. He was responsible for booking all the talent and also driving to the local high schools to find kids who wanted to dance on the show. I remember him telling me stories of all the amazing people he met on the show. A lot of the acts were just starting out in their careers and became very famous later on.
Erica Ashe ( maiden name)
NANCY MOORE
March 16, 2022
Loved his show. To this day, I never forget how fun it was to stand in my living room, trying to learn the dances. I was 10 years old. RIP Mr. Thaxton
Mitch Waldow
August 17, 2021
Lloyd was an entertainment dynamo. Nothing he did was boring. He was a true multimedia genius.
1964 You were our hero! Found this old picture today.<br />
March 3, 2021
How you can show support
Marilyn Hoffman
April 19, 2020
Great show and great entertainer. I learned about all the new bands from his show.
nan barailloux-bedee--gilley
April 18, 2020
Lloyd was family, my husbands uncle. I remember meeting him before he moved to California. We always looked forward to his trips back to Toledo where we would enjoy his company and have a great time! His sense of humor was infectious!! RIP Uncle LLoyd!! and God Speed.
Cheryl Mosley
February 25, 2020
A man that was creative and loved by me. A little black girl looking forward to Lloyd Thaxton's creativity and fun. I felt this mans warmth and love, at a time of outwardly opened racism in America. The finger people were my best. Thank you, Mr. Thaxton for the memories. Friend in my head.
Barbara Thaxton
August 17, 2018
LLOYD would be so happy all of you remember him for the lovely comic genius that he was. A great day for him was seeing you having such a good time.
Thank you for keeping his memory alive.
Sandra Porras
May 12, 2018
Thank you for the happy memories...your show, your guest, you were very entertaining...I loved your show...God Bless you....rest in peace..
Charles Thaxton
November 18, 2017
I never got to meet you as a family member, how ever i feel that i know you from family talking about you all the time. Rest in peace.
Charles Thaxton
Daniel
July 2, 2017
Lloyd created many happy moments for the young generation of his time. He will never be gone from our minds and hearts, Loved the man, his talent, comic genius and his style. You'll always be with us! Thanks for the memories.
Jenny Kerr
May 14, 2017
I loved his show. I was once on the dance show in Hollywood with some friends of ours. Dancing like crazy. Wow so long ago. RIP!
April 16, 2017
Great show-Top acts. You will be missed,Lloyd!---Danny Sordello, Hull, MA
Danny Sordello
April 16, 2017
Great show-Top acts. You will be missed,Lloyd!
Steve Lloyd
July 14, 2015
I used to watch Lloyd Thaxton on WTEN Channel 10 in Albany, NY at 5PM each night. In fact, I was tuned in to the show at the very minute the massive power failure began to unfold in November, 1965.
March 11, 2015
Thanks for the memories "Lloyd Thaxton, Lloyd Thaxton."
February 14, 2015
Who else could lip sink to an instrumental? Only the late great Mr. Thaxton! Aloha from Maui.
Jerry harris
September 23, 2014
Lloyd I enjoyed your show back when I was young you are the best lip singing person I've ever seen in my life.
jennifer baugh
September 3, 2013
i was on your show when poison did their debut album. a day i will never forget. you will not be forgotten your a part of many memories for many people. thanks for those memories lloyd
rock in peace
Patrick Rowlee
June 16, 2013
I grew up watching Lloyd on LA TV (KCOP maybe?). Anyway, the man was a dynamo: funny, entertaining, cooky, fun, hysterical, corny, inventive, resourceful, and kid-loving. What a guy with what a heart of gold.
March 17, 2013
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
MATTIE HILL
February 2, 2013
WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL, IWATCHED THE LLOYD THAXTON SHOW WITH ALL OF THOSE FUNNY SKITS AND THE GREAT MUSIC AND GUESTS. I REALLY MISS THOSE DAYS OF MY YOUTH.
Rebecca Stewart
June 23, 2011
I was thrilled to find "The Lloyd Thaxton Show" online; absolutely stunned to see it again~It was a though I had a piece of my life back . . . I loved his show, and it brought back many pleasant memories: after school, Burbank, California. My heart sank when I read that Mr. Thaxton passed away several years ago. His life was one of sheer joy and virve. He will be sadly missed by many '60s fans. Thank you, Lloyd Thaxton, for the good times. . .
--Rebecca Wells Stewart
Doug Pilcher
July 26, 2009
In 1965, in our rural community of Pritchett, TX, we could only get Lloyd on one TV station out of Shreveport, LA. We did not miss the Lloyd Thaxton Show, ever. We loved for the music, dancing and the crazy antics Lloyd was so famous for. He was a great part of our teen years.
Donald Schrickel
June 6, 2009
I remember Lloyd from the early days when he played locally on WSPD TV, a local TV station in Toledo. I always enjoyed his show right up to when it ended. I wasn't surprized that he went on to bigger and better entertainment shows! Way to go Lloyd!
Howard Thaxton
April 17, 2009
Lloyd was a distant cousin of mine. We all watched his show growing up, Sorry to just now learn he passed away.
ray cooney
February 17, 2009
I loved the LLoyd Thaxton show. It's been over 40 years since I heard him "sing": HEY! THAT'S ALMOST GOOD! He seemed like a great guy and I hope he hjad a great life. Sorry for your loss.
La Rue Howard
January 25, 2009
Lloyd, you were the best of all of them, bar none , I would love to see you do Mac the knife just one more time .
La Rue Howard ( Paso Robles Ca.)
Steve Santos
December 9, 2008
A truely talented, smart and hard working gentleman. He had a very successful life with many friends. What more can you ask for.
Anne Davis
October 28, 2008
I am so sad to hear about Lloyd but have so many fond memories of his show. I watched him every day and especially loved when he did his lip sinc to Mac the Knife. I think I might have thought he was the actual singer back in the day! I pray for his family and hope their memories are as good and as happy as mine are! Thanks Lloyd!
ROBERT BERMAN
October 19, 2008
I was on his show in 1966 in Baltimore when Sam and Dave did I'm your puppet. Thanks for many memories. RIP Lloyd
Jim Wins
October 18, 2008
Lloyd Thaxton passed away ? SO WHAT ! God speed Lloyd ! You were simply THE BEST !
ModGirl1966
October 17, 2008
Dear Barbara,
I just found out. So sad to lose such a wonderful and entertaining personality but so glad he is no longer suffering. I sincerely extend my sympathy to you and the family.
Loved his show. It was such a high point in my life. Thanks, Lloyd.
I'm not gonna end with "R.I.P." - instead I'll sign off with
"SO WHAT?" ;)
Lloyd/Barbara, Me -Blas Vallejo & Family Dog Tucker
Blas Vallejo
October 14, 2008
Lloyd gave us so many happy memories through his show
and very funny antics. My teenage years would not have been the same without him. I will miss Lloyd very much.
I was one of the lucky few to interview him, also lucky to have met Barbara Thaxton who we pray for . Blas Vallejo
Rick Ericksen
October 14, 2008
I was lucky to lip sync on the show. We would go down every Thursday and crash his second show which he taped for when he would go on vacation.Thanks for my 5min of fame
Donna G.
October 13, 2008
I absolutely loved the Lloyd Thaxton show.His finger puppets were hilarious.Lloyd Thaxton is an ICON of the baby boomer generation.I never missed one day of watching his show.
James Conner
October 13, 2008
I can honestly say That LLoyd Thaxton is a true survivor of the enertainment Industry!!
Another reminder of the late Johnny Olsen to where he Put in some work and made sure the bills was paid, Until he was called home!!
I myself Vagely rembered Lloyd as a young one growing up and even though Dick Clark Was more well known as dj execuitive and Game Show Host, I admire Lloyd for his Versitility and "holding on" In this cutthroat business for better than 50 Years!!!
Later on in life when I struck out for "my pie in the sky" Lloyd as well as a number of the "old school"broadcasters were clearly my inspiration!!
Mr. Thaxton, If U run into Johnny, Jack Gibson, John R. Dr. Don Rose, Jesse Coopwood, E. Rodney Jones, Enouch Gregory,Yvonne Daniels Gene Rayborn, Jack Brickhouse, and others to many to list,tell em all that Jimmy Says "Hi" and "thanks 4the memories,Lloyd" U earned your rest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
clara ramirez
October 13, 2008
as a child that had just arrived from mexico in 1960 to live in this country, "the lloyd thaxton hop" was one of my earliest memories of being introduced to the american culture, i loved the music of the time. and he played a great part in why i became so enamored with everything american, as homesick as i was for my home in mexicali, baja. he made it easier for me to accept how my life had changed. he will forever be in my memory.
linda saine
October 13, 2008
This is a sad one we used to dance in the living room and laugh all the time watching his shows. Some wonderful old memories for me. Back when times were simpler and just fun at home was a real joy. Hope it brings you some comfort to know he brought such joy to so many.So sorry for your loss. Linda Saine
steven Miller
October 13, 2008
On my 16th birthday I got my license to drive, the next day after school I drove to KCOP in Hollywood and asked the gate guard, "how does a kid get on televisdion," he replied, "ask this guy." The guy was Sam the producer of the Lloyd Thaxton Hop, he told me to come back tomorrow and that is how I started apprearing as a dancing and lipsinking teenager on the show. It was great fun! I'll be knocking on the gate of Lloyd's next show when I can fly, Steven Miller
Donna Valenzuela
October 13, 2008
This wonderful man gave me hours and hours of entertainment. I loved his "finger people, and how he could make the characters talk to each other. I'm 64, but I never grew to old to enjoy his kind of humor. I am so sorry for your loss, he will be greatly missed. Thanks for sharing him with all of us out in tvland. Bless you. Donna
Dennis Ramirez
October 13, 2008
Being a teen in the 60's was crazy, Mr. Thaxton's shows were the BEST!
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Gerri Tacner
October 13, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Thaxton family! Please know what enjoyment he brought into our Baltimore household in the 1960's. My sister and I would dance in front of the TV every time we watched his show. Now in our 50's we still dance together at parties just like when we were kids. Thanks for the wonderful memory!
Anne
October 12, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carol S
October 11, 2008
So sorry to hear of his passing. I too remember The Lloyd Thaxton Show and smile when I recall it. My favorite segments were his game: "Don't Lose Your Marbles" and the skit he did sitting on the porch rockin' away with old farmer jeans and a twig of staw in his mouth, singing: There's A Hole In The Bucket, Dear Liza, Dear Liza"...I still sing that song to this day and when we had our Brownie & Junior Girl Scout Troop (16 girls total), they all learned that song too and sing it now. The shows of the 60's with the breaking away of the norm will always bring a smile to faces and Lloyd was one of those imortals who took the chance and soared with it. Without him and others of the time, where would we be now? Scarry thought! Lloyd is up in heaven right now with his new version of "Don't Lose Your Marbles"!
Randy Isaacs (maiden name)
October 11, 2008
So sorry to hear that Lloyd passed. I lived in Laurel Canyon and was a neighbor. Mostly rememeber dancing on Lloyd's show after school. I went to Bancroft and then Le Conte Jr. High, then Hollywood High. I am also one that first met Sonny & Cher on the show. Those were the coolest years and I treasure the memories I have of 'The Lloyd Thaxton Show". My deep regrets to the family.
Rene Day
October 11, 2008
I grew up outside of Philly and remember how much I enjoyed the show and especially the sit-down dance contests. Thought it was too cool. My sympathies to the Thaxton family. Thank you for sharing him!
Norita Moss
October 11, 2008
Wasn't he broadcasting in the 1950's early over a Toledo, Ohio television station.? I remember him and always thought he was fresh and so good looking. So sorry for the loss to his family and our memories
Norita Moss
October 11, 2008
Wasn't he broadcasting in the 1950's early over a Toledo, Ohio television station.? I remember him and always thought he was fresh and so good looking. So sorry for the loss to his family and our memories
maria-rufina hernandez
October 11, 2008
During our sometimes drama filled teenage years, He was a wonderful relief.....still miss those happy times with Lloyd Thaxton.
Henryk Zaleski
October 11, 2008
Thank you for sharing your talent with us and giving us so much pleasure.Rest in peace.
Paula Bell
October 11, 2008
To all who grew up in the 60's and remember it...I use to watch this show , First time I ever saw the RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS, fell in love with them...and those finger puppets....lol...it wasn't a long series, but it was a good one....been missing Lloyd Thaxton, since they took his show off the air....sorry, for your loss.
Bob Blizard
October 10, 2008
I watched his show many times, and loved it
I'll miss him Bubba!
Jessica Espinosa
October 10, 2008
I was very young but I recall my sisters and brothers watching this show. what sticks to my memory is how much he would make them laugh. my favorite was when he would throw people in and out to dance. sorry for such a great loss. God Bless your family.
Lauren Scanlon
October 10, 2008
Sympathies to Lloyd's family. He is part of my past and many others. I always looked forward to watching his great dance/music show and thought he was one of the all-time personalities! Rock on, Lloyd! Thanks for all the memories.
Patty Bigelow
October 10, 2008
Lloyd Thaxton was definitely part of our teen years in SoCal. His show always gave us something to look forward to.
My condolences to his family.
Elida Montano
October 10, 2008
I remember rushing home from school just to watch his TV program. The best part of his show was the segment when he would pick from his audience to lip sing My condolences to his family.
camella inserra`
October 10, 2008
i remember lloyd thaxton so very well. imuse to watch his show every day. one summer i had major surgury & when i awoke , on the t.v. was lloyd doing his finger people. i had seen them before, but, for some reason this time, they were funnier. i laughed so hard the nurse came in and put a pillow over my stomach, then turned it off . my point is that no matter what situtatin you were in, lloyd thaxton could always cheer up your day . i'll miss him.
Theresa Yankoski Wyzinski
October 10, 2008
I remember watching The Lloyd Thaxton Show in the 60's when I was a teenager.
Allyson Shelly
October 10, 2008
I loved the Lloyd Thaxton show. They don't make them like that anymore. Blessings to your family and friends. Thanks for being here.
Love, Allyson
Kathy Hite
October 9, 2008
My Deepest Sympathy to the Lloyd Thaxton family.
I recognized his name and then I read his obituary. I was very young, but I do remember the finger people and I believe he drew lips or people where you connect your thumb to your pointer finger. His name and the puppets and the joy I remember. God Bless Y'all !!!
Love,
Susan Wild
October 9, 2008
My condolences to the family, I grew up in the 60's watching the Lloyd Thaxton show.
Harriet
October 9, 2008
I'll always remember the Lloyd Thaxton as the first place where I saw Sonny and Cher. I also remember the segment of the "Sit Down Dance."
Thanks, Mr. Thaxton, for fond memories of my teen years.
Harriet Reaves
October 9, 2008
I'll always remember the Lloyd Thaxton as the first place where I saw Sonny and Cher. I also remember the segment of the "Sit Down Dance."
Thanks, Mr. Thaxton, for fond memories of my teen years.
R G
October 9, 2008
well wishes to your family
Kari Cappetto
October 9, 2008
Sorry for your loss.
slt
October 9, 2008
I remember you Lloyd when I was a kid. I always knew I would enjoy myself but didn't know why. HAHA I
will always remember your smile. God Bless.
Rosalind Mitofsky
October 9, 2008
I was always a big fan of Lloyd and his great dance show
from the 60's. He was so handsome and talented,
and will be sorely missed. I extend my condolences
to his friends and family.
Brenda Curtis
October 9, 2008
Please accept my condolenses for the loss of our dear Mr. Thaxton. He will long be remembered. I pray that you will comforted by the hope of seeing him again (Acts 24:15)
Liz
October 9, 2008
My sincere condolences
Michele
October 8, 2008
Dinner was always at 5 p.m. at our home but for the Lloyd Thaxton show it waited until 6 p.m. We loved this man who was so gifted w/ humor and just seemed to be on the teenager planet and connected. My thoughts and prayers go to his family at this time. May his work live forever. Blessings, Michele
Leticia Cantu-Eugui
October 8, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Gary Belich
October 8, 2008
My deepest condolences to the entire Thaxton family. I will miss "Uncle" Lloyd more than you'll ever know. Rest In Peace, my video friend!
D. ZIMMERMAN
October 8, 2008
REST IN PEACE LLOYD THAxton
JHart
October 8, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Thaxton's death. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all (2 Corinthians 1:4). WIth deep sympathy,
Deborah Patterson
October 8, 2008
My condolences to the family of Lloyd Thaxton.
I remember watching "The Lloyd Thaxton Show" after school my freshman year of high school. I loved the character where he would dress up as a little boy and kneel down on his knees on a pair of tennis shoes (to appear shorter) and sing or just talk about something. My younger brother and I still talk about the show whenever we hear a particular song from the "60's".
Mr. Thaxton will surely be missed by those of us who grew up in the "60's"
Sincerely,
Deborah Patterson
Charlene DeBeaulieu
October 8, 2008
I would run home from school to watch Mr. Thaxton's show. His persona was therapeutic for a lonely sad teenager. He gave so much to our generation. He will be missed. There is not another like him.
Ruby Cousins
October 8, 2008
To the family of Lloyd Thaxton, I grew up in L.A. and my sisters and I watched Lloyd's shows all the time , one of the many popular dance shows of the era . Unfortunately, my older sisiter just passed away from Cancer on Jan . 1st.of this year, she would the 1st person I would have called to give her the sad news of Lloyd's passing. so Mrs. Thaxton and family,please accept my sincere condolences and I know what you are feeling at this time.Music of the 60's is one of my passions. I am somewhat a triva buff. I can usually name the song and the group and the year the song was on the radio....the memories of the enjoyment of Lloyd's shows will be in my heart and mind forever as will the memories of how much my sister enjoyed it.
My prayers to you all,
Ruby Cousins
Tampa ,FL
Debra (and Danise)
October 8, 2008
My Sister and I LOVED the Lloyd Thaxton Show!! We still laugh about certain elements of the show. Lloyd, you brought such joy to many people. May you rest in peace. Lots of Love!!
Kathy Cembruch
October 8, 2008
How well I remember his show. Those were the days my friends!!
Great talent and wonderful T.V. I learned to dance watching his show. God Bless you Mr. Thaxton.
Karen Miller
October 8, 2008
I am sorry to hear of his passing. I used to enjoy that show when i was a teenager.
My sympathy to his widow and children
Harry Simpson
October 8, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Brian Frobisher
October 8, 2008
I remember watching the Lloyd Thaxton show as a small child. It was real television, something that is missing these days.
What a guy!
Diane Musewicz
October 8, 2008
He will be missed. I can remember coming home from school and dancing to his show. He could always make you smile.
Steve
October 8, 2008
We still talk among ourselves about "The Lloyd Thaxton Show". We thought the show was so much fun. One of my favorites was "Mr. Mask", a gorilla mask singing to the tune "Blue Moon".
Thank you for all the fun. I'll miss you.
J W
October 8, 2008
I loved his show. Thank you Mr Thaxton and may God Bless and keep you.
Showing 1 - 88 of 88 results
Make a Donation
in Lloyd Thaxton's name
People and places connected with Lloyd
Recent Obituaries
How to support Lloyd's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Lloyd Thaxton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored