Stephen Fry, Piers Morgan and Mark Gatiss have led tributes to the comedian Barry Cryer, who has died aged 86.
The cause of Cryer’s death has yet to be disclosed.
Fry was among the first to remember Cryer, writing: “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.”
“Barry Cryer was the real deal,” Gatiss tweeted. “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.”
The Chase star and stand-up comic Paul Sinha wrote that “every minute spent in his company was a privilege”.
Giles Brandreth shared a photo he had taken with Cryer “only a few weeks ago”, writing: “Baz 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.”
He added: “Wherever Barry went he brought laughter with him - even to memorial services. And he went to lots because he’d worked with everyone! He was generous about everyone: a great mentor & friend.”
Piers Morgan said: “RIP Barry Cryer, 86. Such a warm, funny and talented man. A giant of British comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry.”
Born in 1935, Cryer working with performers including Bruce Forsyth, David Frost, Bob Hope, and Spike Milligan throughout his lengthy career as a comic.
He also wrote episodes for the TV comedy Doctor in the House, which starred Barry Evans and Simon Cuff.
