British comedian, actor and writer Barry Cryer passed away on Tuesday. He was 86. The news of his death was confirmed by his representatives as well as his son, Bob, who posted a statement on social media on behalf of the family informing that the comedian died "peacefully, in good spirits and with his family around him". He said, "Dad was a talented comedy writer and comedian in a particularly golden vintage. 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." Bob added: "He leaves behind him a life of fun, joy, love and silliness and we'll all be doing our best to maintain that legacy."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shared post on

Born in Leeds, UK, in 1935, Cryer garnered a reputation in quick time as a highly-talented comedian on stage, screen, radio before being called by many in the industry as the best in the business in line with legends like Sir Billy Connelly, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett to name a notable few. During the course of his career, he worked with comedy heavyweights, including The Two Ronnies, Bob Hope, Tommy Cooper, and Morecambe and Wise. Cryer also frequently made appearances on panel shows that included Just A Minute, Jokers Wild and Would I Lie To You, while also being a part of BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue for almost 50 years since its inception in 1972. 

Tributes have been paid to Cryer by celebrities in the entertainment industry, who have held a high regard for the comedy legend's work since the early days of his career. English actor John Cleese expressed his condolences and tweeted, "Just heard about Barry Cryer  We worked together on the Frost Report, The 1948 Show, and Jokers Wild  I never met a nicer, kinder, more cheerful man  Feeling sick  RIP old friend."

Actor, comedian and writer Stephen Fry paid his respects and wrote, "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."

Author Neil Gaiman tweeted, "I'm so so so sorry to hear this. I only worked with Barry Cryer once, on the @BBCRadio4 Anansi Boys - and he wasn't in the broadcast version, as he was unwell. But being in the room and watching him act and tell jokes was an utter joy. #RIPBarry".

Sherlock series actor Mark Gatiss said, "Barry 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.❤️"