Tributes were paid to Barry Cryer, comedian and writer who died at the age 86.
Cryer was a comedian for The Two Ronnies and Bob Hope.
He was also a star on the airwaves and stage, appearing on BBC radio panels shows such as Just A Minute or I’m Sorry But I Haven’t A Clue.
His son Bob Cryer stated that the comedian died peacefully, in good spirits, and with his family.
He said, “He left behind a life full of joy, joy, love, and silliness, and we’ll all do our best to continue that legacy.”
Gyles Brandreth, a broadcaster, led the tributes to Cryer on Twitter. He described Cryer as “just loveliest guy; funny & generous”.
Stephen Fry called him “one of the absolute greatest British comedians”, while writer Mark Gatiss added: Barry Cryer was the real deal.
“[He] was an incredibly funny person who worked with – or wrote for – the giants in comedy. He was always curious about new and innovative ideas and was never disappointed. He was kind, encouraging, generous, and a unique individual.”
Bob Cryer stated, “Dad was an exceptional comedian and writer in a particularly golden age.”
“Those who knew him and worked with him will not be surprised to hear that he told a joke about the Archbishop of Canterbury to a nurse shortly before his death. This was one of his talents, making strangers feel welcomed and making them laugh.
Comedy world tributes came flooding in. The Thick Of It’s Rebecca Front stated Cryer was “an utter genius, endlessly curious about and supportive of everybody who worked in comedy ….. He made us feel special.”
recalled Cryer’s father, Alan Coren, as a friend and colleague. Victoria Coren Mitchell called him “a beautiful, lovely man”. David Mitchell, her husband, described Cryer as “a brillant man and a bringer o great joy who never stopped being thrilled by comedy”.
Sherrie Hewson, Benidorm actress, said: “Barry Croyer was the most talented and extraordinary man I had ever the honor to work with. And more importantly, to call my friend. Huggable, beautiful human being.
Comedian Ross Noble tweeted Cryer’s passing was “devastating news”, adding that “he was a legend in his generation and more involved with the many new generations and comics who followed” him than any other person in the industry.
Spending time with him was always a great pleasure. He was such a nice and funny man.”
Cryer was born in Leeds, England in 1935. He began his career as a variety performer and appeared in a university revue.
After moving to London, he began to write for Danny La Rue, an Irish performer. Sir David Frost, a presenter, saw Cryer at a nightclub performance and suggested that they work together.
The two went on to collaborate on numerous shows, including Frost On Sunday, Frost Over England, and The Frost Report.
‘Hugely missed’
Cryer’s first TV appearances were supported by a series of panel shows. His comic timing entertained audiences on Blankety Blank, That’s Showbusiness and What’s My Line.
He was still the go-to writer of many well-known comedians like Bobby Davro and Sir Billy Connolly, as well as Dick Emery, Frankie Howerd, Frankie Howerd, and Jasper Carrott.
In a statement, Tim Davie, director general of BBC, stated that “If you hear or see a great sketch there is always a chance Barry was behind it.”
He was a showbiz legend who worked with everyone because they wanted to. His many friends at BBC and the wider public will miss Barry greatly.
Cryer was hailed by Dame Esther Rantzen as an “encyclopedia of humor”.
He was first interviewed by the TV presenter in 1960s. His jokes were brilliantly constructed and an constant joy.
Incredibly, Cryer also had a number one surprise hit. The novelty song Purple People Eater was a hit in 1958. However, a cover version made by Cryer became wildly popular in the Nordic countries. It reached number one in Finland.
Cryer was awarded an OBE in 2001. In 2018, he received a British Music Hall Society lifetime achievement award for his comedy career.
Cryer stated in 1998 that he didn’t have a career but a series of events. “I’ve been plagued by good luck my whole life.”
He launched a podcast last month with his son Bob, called Now, Where Were We?, and featured guests such as Miriam Margolyes, Danny Baker, and Stephen Fry.
Cryer was pronounced dead at Northwick Park hospital, Harrow on Tuesday afternoon.
Bob Cryer stated that funerals for close friends and family will be held in the next few weeks. He also said that a memorial service would be held at a later date.
