READ: Death of a genius: Professor Stephen Hawking dies aged 76 Bowen shot to fame while hosting 1980s darts show Bullseye which ran for 14 years, ending in 1995. He was a former deputy headmaster who was born in Lancashire and started his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1960s. His wife confirmed his death on BBC Radio Lancashire on Wednesday afternoon. READ: Tributes paid across the world as 'genius' Stephen Hawking dies aged 76