Barry Cryer has died aged 86.
Barry Cryer has died
The comedy legend is known for penning material for legendary comedy performers The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise, and several stars have paid tribute the late star.
Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter: "RIP Barry Cryer, 86. Such a warm, funny and talented man. A giant of British comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry."
Gyles Brandreth posted: "RIP #BarryCryer. Here we are only a few weeks ago. 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."
Actor and comedian Stephen Fry described Barry as "one of the absolute greats", and praised him as a "gifted writer".
He 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."
Barry - who was awarded an OBE in 2001 - appeared in BBC Radio 4's 'I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue' since it began in 1972.
Screenwriter Mark Gatiss tweeted: "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."
Barry leaves behind wife Theresa - who he married in 1962 - four children and seven grandchildren.