The comedic giant Ronnie Corbett has passed away today, aged 85. Born on the 4th December 1930, the entertainer had been suffering from ill-health. He had previously been to hospital in 2014 with gall bladder problems.
A statement from his publicist said: “Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family.
“They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time.”
He was also well-known for his appearance alongside Monty Python’s John Cleese in the cutting-edge satirical comedy The Frost Report which aired in the 1960s – here’s one of their sketches:
Most well-known for being one of The Two Ronnies which ran between 1971 to 1987, the classic comedy icon will be sorely missed. Here are just a few of his best gags:
“There was a fire at the main Inland Revenue office in London today, but it was put out before any serious good was done”
“A man was marooned on a desert island. One day a beautiful woman arrives in a wet suit. ‘When did you last have a smoke?’ she asks. ‘Five years ago.’ So she gets out a cigar and he smokes it. She unzips her wet suit a bit and says, ‘When did you last have a drink?’ He said, ‘Five years ago.’ So she gets out a bottle of Scotch and he has a drink. Then she unzips her wet suit a bit more and says, ‘And when was the last time you played around?’ He looks at her in amazement and says: ‘You’re not telling me you’ve got a set of golf clubs in there?”
“West Mersea police announced tonight that they wish to interview a man wearing high heels and frilly knickers, but the Chief Constable said they must wear their normal uniforms.”
Comedian Ricky Gervais led a number of triputes:
RIP the lovely, funny legend Ronnie Corbett. It was an absolute honour & joy to have known him.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 31, 2016
Ronnie Corbett had the rare talent of making all generations laugh. He'll be remembered as one of the all time great comedians.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 31, 2016
Ronnie Corbett was a giant of British entertainment who was loved by millions. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) March 31, 2016
And it's good night from Ronnie Corbett . Thanks for all the laughs mate.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 31, 2016
Marc Kis
Feature image from here.
