Veteran British Comedian Barry Cryer No More
London, Jan 27: Veteran British comedian Barry Cryer, who is known for writing sketch shows, including ‘The Two Ronnies’ and ‘Morecambe and Wise,’ has died in London, his family have confirmed. He was 86.
The family said in an official statement on Thursday “We’re pleased to say that he died peacefully, in good spirits and with his family around him.
“Dad was a talented comedy writer and comedian in a particularly golden vintage. Incidentally, he never really liked the terms ‘comedy writer’ or ‘comedian,’ instead preferring ‘hack’ and ‘entertainer’ and always thought the term ‘national treasure’ meant he’d just been dug up. He was, in his words, arrogant in his humility. “He had a gift for friendship (as anyone who still has a landline will testify) and a genius for putting people at their ease. Oh yes, and he made many people laugh. A lot. Over many years.
”Never lose touch with silly,’ he said, quoting his idol Humphrey Lyttelton – something we’ve all been very grateful for in the last few days.
“It’ll be of no surprise to those that knew and worked with him that he was telling an Archbishop of Canterbury joke to a nurse not long before he died. That was one of his gifts, making strangers feel welcome. Making them laugh.”
Tributes to Cryer have been pouring in all over social media, with Piers Morgan tweeting: “RIP Barry Cryer, 86. “Such a warm, funny and talented man. A giant of British comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry.”
The comedian passed away on January 25 as per Variety.
Stephen Fry tweeted: “Such sad news, one of the absolute greats of British comedy, Barry Cryer, is no more. “A glorious, gorgeous, hilarious and gifted writer and performer who straddled all the comic traditions. Universally beloved … farewell, Baz.”
Gyles Brandreth shared a recent photo of the pair together, saying Cryer “was just the loveliest guy: funny & generous”. “He’d worked with everybody & everybody he worked with liked him. I shall miss his happy company so much – & his regular phone calls: he gave you a gem of a joke with each one.”
Mark Gatiss said Cryer was “the real deal”. “An incredibly funny man who worked with – and wrote for – the giants of comedy. Yet he remained forever curious and delighted by whatever was fresh and original. Kind, encouraging, generous and a one off. Goodbye, Cheeky.”
Many colleagues and friends remembered Cryer as a man who often called up to share jokes. Cryer is survived by his wife Terry, his four sons Bob, Jack, David and Tony, seven grandchildren and one great grand-daughter.
