★★★★★ 0/5

Vale: Rik Mayall

Anarchic UK comedian Rik Mayall, best known for The Young Ones, has died aged 56.

11
Leave a comment

2014-06-10_0746Anarchic UK comedian Rik Mayall, best known for The Young Ones, has died aged 56.

He was left seriously ill after a quad bike accident in 1998 which left him in a coma for several days, but was working until recently. A spokeswoman said that the actor died at his home in London.

Although he defied the doctors to make a good recovery, returning to work the following year, he was left with epilepsy for which he had to take daily medication. He had spoken in the past of suffering a fit after failing to take the pills.

Mayall shot to fame as Rick in The Young Ones and was also well-known for Bottom, The New Statesman and as Flashheart in Blackadder.

His wife, Barbara Robbin, said “We don’t know yet what happened. He had a strong heart, so I don’t think it was a heart attack. But we just don’t know until the coroner’s report.

“Maybe he had a fit, maybe it was his heart. We just don’t know.”

Police said they were called by the London Ambulance Service to a house in Barnes, south-west London where “a man, aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene”, but added that the death was not believed to be suspicious.

Adrian Edmondson said: “There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing.

“They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him.

“And now he’s died for real. Without me. Selfish b*****d.”

Monty Python star Eric Idle said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Rik Mayall. Far too young. A very funny and talented man.”

Writing on Twitter, Bob Mortimer said: “Last time I saw him he grabbed my crotch and said ‘Not eaten yet then?’ So sad.. Funniest man of his generation.”

Mayall’s management, Brunskill, issued a statement today saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rik Mayall who passed away this morning.”

A further statement is expected to be released in due course.

Source: Independent

11 Responses

  1. And all the grown-ups will say, why are the kids crying? And the kids will say, haven’t you heard? Rick is dead! The peoples poet is dead!

  3. The People’s Poet is no longer with us. Very sad news indeed. Would a show like The Young Ones get made today? with all the focus on demos and avoiding causing offence to anyone? Makes you feel even sadder

    RIP Rik (with the silent p)

    Now a little known gem…Rik had a series of stories in the UK on ITV made by Granada called Rik Mayall presents. One of these was called Dancing Queen,made and aired in 1993. His co star in this romcom was a young Helena Bonham Carter playing the role of a stripper and yes somehow Rik got her to strip….priceless….good onya Rik

  4. The first time I saw The Young Ones I could not believe such a degenerate, loud, outrageous, mold breaking crew was ever let loose on the TV viewing public… and I loved it.

    My, how television has changed since then.

  5. Such a brilliant & funny man.
    I’m so sad to hear this news.
    My heartfelt condolences to his family & friends & fans.
    Thank you for the great memories, Rik.
    Rest In Peace :'(

  6. Such sad news – gone way too soon. : (

    One of my all time favourite comedians – brilliantly unique – have loved everything Rik was in, especially The Young Ones.

    Lots of wonderful tributes pouring in but I think his old mate, Ade’s from David’s story above, is one of the most fitting…

    “They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him.

    And now he’s died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard.”

  11. Only the good die young! Extremely funny and talented man. A generation of fans will be in shock and sadness, but also can’t help but smile at the brilliant way he had of performing.

Leave a Reply