Tributes pour in as comedian Rik Mayall dies aged 56

The comedy legend was famed for his roles in The Young Ones, Bottom and Blackadder.

17:24 09 June 2014

Rik Mayall, the screen comedian who pushed boundaries with shows such as The Young Ones and Bottom, has died. He was 56. 

 

Brunskill Management, of whom Drop Dead Fred star Mayall was a client, announced the news on Monday. 

 

A statement read: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rik Mayall who passed away this morning.

 

"We will be issuing a further statement in the fullness of time."

 

Mayall frequently appeared alongside his friend Adrian Edmonson in alternative comedy programmes that revolved around crude humour, over-the-top characterisation and violent slapstick. The duo's most famous pairing was as the filthy housemates Richie and Eddie in Bottom. 

 

As well as Bottom and The Young Ones, Mayall also starred as sleazy Conservative politician Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman, as lecherous Lord Flashheart Blackadder and appeared alongside Edmonson again in Bottom's big screen comedy spin-off Guest House Paradiso. 

 

In 1998 he slipped into a coma for five days following a quad bike accident but made a full recovery. 

 

On Twitter, stars paid tribute:

 

Chris Moyles: RIP Rik Mayall. 

Thank you for making me laugh a million times.

Woof.

 

Rory Bremner: Oh no. Awful news about Rik Mayall- a fireball of creative comic energy and inspiration. Such brilliant raw talent.

 

Chris O'Dowd: Very sad to hear about Rik Mayall's passing. 'Bottom' was a huge part of my youth. Even his single tweet was funny. 

 

Chris Evans: RIP Rik Mayall.

I'm off to hit the gasman with a frying pan.

It's the least I can do.