Veteran comedy writer and performer Barry Cryer has died at the age of 86.
During his career spanning seven decades, Cryer made appearances on stage, screen and radio while writing jokes for a variety of household names.
One of the highlights of his career was the long-running partnership he had with Sir David Frost who collaborated on The Frost Report on the BBC.
The Leeds-born performer was also a panellist on BBC Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue for over four decades.
He wrote for legends of British comedy, including Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, Sir Billy Connelly and Tommy Cooper.
In 2018, he was handed a lifetime achievement award for his comedy career by the British Music Hall Society.
Let us know your favourite Barry Cryer memories and tributes in the comments section.
Paying tribute, Gyles Brandreth said: “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.”
Actor 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.”
Paying tribute his family said in a statement: “He had a gift for friendship and a genius for putting people at their ease. Oh yes, and he made many people laugh. A lot.”
