CNN ( CNN ) -- Veteran DJ and TV personality Jimmy Savile , who entertained generations of British children on television and radio , has died at the age of 84 . Savile was one of the most recognizable figures in British showbiz from the 1960s to the 1980s , presenting shows on BBC TV and radio . He was the first host of the BBC 's hugely popular `` Top of the Pops '' music show , and his own program , `` Jim 'll Fix It , '' ran for almost 20 years . The show saw him helping to grant the wishes of hundreds of children , `` fixing it '' for them to take part in episodes of their favorite TV shows , sing with chart-topping bands , and meet their heroes . In the most famous `` fix , '' he arranged for an entire Cub Scout troop to eat their lunch on a roller-coaster as it sped around its track -- with predictably messy results . At the height of its popularity , the BBC says , `` Jim 'll Fix It '' attracted up to 20,000 letters a week . A colorful character , Savile was as well known for his bright tracksuits , chunky jewelry and cigars as he was for his catchphrases : `` Now then , now then , '' and `` How 's about that then ? '' which were much copied by impressionists . Mark Thompson , Director-General of the BBC , said he was `` very sad '' to hear of Savile 's death . `` From 'Top of the Pops ' to 'Jim 'll Fix It , ' Jimmy 's unique style entertained generations of BBC audiences . Like millions of viewers and listeners , we shall miss him greatly . '' Savile was also well known for his fund-raising efforts , and ran several marathons for charity . He was awarded a knighthood for his charitable work . Savile 's body was found at his home in Leeds , northern England , on Saturday . Police were called to the scene , but said they were not treating his death as suspicious . UK media reports said he had recently been hospitalized suffering from pneumonia .
Jimmy Savile entertained generations of British children on TV and radio . Best known for 'Top of the Pops ' and 'Jim 'll Fix It ' 'Jim 'll Fix It ' saw him grant wishes of children who wrote in to show . Colorful character famous for chunky jewelry , tracksuits and cigars .