In memory of Lena Zavaroni

Who is Lena Zavaroni?

LENA ZAVARONI will perhaps be best remembered as the talented little singer from Rothesay on the remote Scottish Isle of Bute, who for five weeks running in 1973–4, won “Opportunity Knocks” — the British TV talent show hosted by Hughey Green — with her song; “Ma, he’s making eyes at me”.

What’s often forgotten is that Lena went on to star in several series’ of her own TV shows, toured the world including America and Japan, and worked with some of the greatest entertainers of the time including Frank Sinatra, Morecambe and Wise, and Liza Minnelli.

About this site

With this tribute to Lena Zavaroni I hope to be able to give you a bit more insight into Lena’s life and work. Inside you will find a short biography describing her childhood days growing up in Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute, through her various TV and Stage appearances, to her tragic death in 1999 after a long battle with the eating disorder; Anorexia Nervosa.

There are also newspaper cuttings, magazine articles, pictures and publicity photos, and live performance memorabilia. You can also download and listen to MP3 sound files of Lena singing and talking on her own TV series’ and other TV shows she appeared in, as well as some TV interviews she gave.

Your help

I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have contributed in some way to the site. With your help, I believe we’ve played a part in keeping the memory of Lena Zavaroni alive.

If you’d like to share some thoughts, memories or experiences with other Lena Zavaroni fans — or just want to say hello — please add a few words to my Guestbook.