Rik Mayall, best known for his role as one of The Young Ones, has died at age 56.
Mayall has one of the innovators of British New Wave comedy. As Rick in the Young Ones Mayall played the obsessed Cliff Richard fan and self-proclaimed anarchist uni student. The show ran for two seasons from 1982 to 1984.
Adrian Edmonson, who played Vivian in the show said in a statement, “There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing. They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him. And now he’s died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard”.
Mayall was constantly working. After The Young ones he created The New Statesman and played the part of Alan Beresford B’Stard for four seasons.
His show Bottom, where he played Richard ‘Richie’ Richard ran for three seasons from 1991 to 1995. he would also appear occasionally in The Black Adder.
In 1991 Mayall played Drop Dead Fred in Drop Dead Fred opposite Phoebe Cates. In Australia the movie went on to become the most successful independent film of all time.
Little Britain co-creator David Walliams remembered Mayall saying, “I am heartbroken that my comedy idol growing up Rik Mayall has died. He made me want to be a comedian.”
Stephen Fry posted, “Crossing the Atlantic with wifi. Simply distraught to hear of the death of Rik Mayall. An authentic comedy genius and a prince among men”.
The Young Ones Facebook page carries the post, “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the wonderful and talented Rik Mayall has passed away today RIP you legend”.
Rik was found dead in his home by his wife Barbara Robbin. She told the Telegraph, “We don’t know yet what happened. He had a strong heart, so I don’t think it was a heart attack. But we just don’t know until the coroner’s report,” she said.
“Maybe he had a fit, maybe it was his heart. We just don’t know.”
Rik leaves behind wife Barbara and his three adult children.
Rik Mayall 1958-2014
