Snooker legend Dennis Taylor has once again found himself in the spotlight as he prepares to return to the commentary box for yet another World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible. Despite being 76 years old, Taylor’s presence in the sport remains as significant as ever, reverberating with fans who remember his iconic victory and unique personality.
Best known for his dramatic win in the 1985 ‘Black Ball Final’ against Steve Davis, Taylor has secured a permanent place in the annals of snooker history. That unforgettable encounter—watched by an audience of 18.5 million, the largest ever for a broadcast snooker match—was also notable for Taylor’s distinctive, upside-down glasses, which became his trademark and symbolised his inventive but down-to-earth approach to the game.
Forty years on from his world title triumph, Taylor continues to share his passion for snooker, touring around the UK with fellow greats Steve Davis and John Virgo. These events, which delve into the stories behind snooker’s most memorable moments, continue to draw enthusiastic crowds reminiscent of the sport’s heyday. Off the stage, Taylor can be heard lending his well-known wit and expert insights as a commentator for the BBC, guiding viewers through the drama of the Triple Crown events with his steady and seasoned presence.
Taylor’s career on the professional circuit spanned almost three decades, beginning in 1972 and concluding in 2000. According to figures from CueTracker, his total career earnings approached £1.5 million—a figure starkly dwarfed by today’s prize funds. His 1985 world championship triumph earned him £60,000, which would equate to approximately £183,000 today. Compare that to this year’s winner, who is set to collect a cool half a million pounds, and the difference is striking. Taylor also picked up prestigious titles such as the Masters in 1987, staging another remarkable comeback to defeat longstanding rival Alex Higgins.
Yet, Taylor’s career has not been solely defined by trophies and accolades. In recent years, his role as a commentator seemed under threat when, in 2022, fellow commentator John Virgo revealed that the BBC intended to drop both himself and Taylor. The decision triggered a significant backlash from snooker fans, prompting the broadcaster to re-evaluate and ultimately keep the much-loved pair. Commenting on their expertise, veteran player-turn-commentator Joe Perry noted that the duo’s ability to blend technical know-how with a flair for dramatic narration is rarely matched in the modern game.
Taylor’s personal life has seen its share of complexities. He was first married to Patricia, with whom he had three children—Denise, Damian, and Brendan. The marriage eventually ended in divorce, a split Taylor partly attributed to the intense demands on his time and attention following his world title win. In 2001, he remarried Louise, and together they have two children, Cameron and Amber. Despite the challenges, Taylor has remained open about the impact of fame and sporting success on family life, offering a candid perspective rarely seen among retired athletes.
Away from the table, Taylor’s heated relationship with the late Alex Higgins is the stuff of snooker folklore. Their mutual competitiveness boiled over at the 1990 World Cup when Higgins, angered by a dispute over playing order, allegedly threatened to have Taylor shot if he returned to Northern Ireland. Journalists overheard the exchange, leading to newspaper headlines and public outrage. Reflecting years later, Taylor expressed that any bad blood had since dissipated, wishing Higgins well during his struggle with cancer—a reminder that sports rivalries often mellow with time.
As Taylor gears up to commentate on another Crucible classic, his enduring influence on snooker is evident. Whether through his memorable achievements on the baize, his storytelling and wisdom in the commentary box, or the complex relationships with those he both competed with and entertained, Dennis Taylor remains an integral figure in British sporting culture. His story is one of triumph, challenge, resilience and ultimately, great affection from snooker fans young and old.