Beloved British comedian Barry Cryer dies, age 86

British actor, comedian and writer Barry Cryer sadly passed away on Tuesday, January 25, age 86.

Born in Yorkshire, England in 1935 Cryer became a veteran of British television and radio in a career spanning several decades. Best known for his long running collaboration with David Frost on the BBC Show The Frost Report, he also appeared on panel shows such as Would I Lie To You, Just A Minute, and BBC Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

Cryer also wrote material for a number of iconic entertainers such as The Two Ronnies, Bob Hope, Tommy Cooper, and Morecambe and Wise.

Cryer’s family issued a statement confirming his passing on Thursday, January 28, his family wrote: “he died peacefully, in good spirits and with his family around him.”

“Dad was a talented comedy writer and comedian in a particularly golden vintage. Incidentally, he never really liked the terms ‘comedy writer’ or ‘comedian,’ instead preferring ‘hack’ and ‘entertainer’ and always thought the term ‘national treasure’ meant he’d just been dug up. He was, in his words, arrogant in his humility,” the statement said.

“He had a gift for friendship (as anyone who still has a landline will testify) and a genius for putting people at their ease. Oh yes, and he made many people laugh. A lot. Over many years.”

#celebratebaz pic.twitter.com/yVQTvg9YjD

— Barry Cryer (@barrycryer80) January 27, 2022

Following the news of Cryer’s passing tributes from celebrities and media personalities alike began to pour in for the late comedic icon.

Actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry led the tributes for Cryer in a touching tribute on his Twitter page.

“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,” he wrote.

Actor and comedian Rob Brydon shared a photo of “the most enjoyable story rich lunch” he had with Cryer.

So terribly sad to hear the news. A great man it was my life enhancing pleasure to know and call a friend. This was taken at the most enjoyable story rich lunch just last year RIP #BarryCryer pic.twitter.com/nzVOvxnbYW

— Rob Brydon (@RobBrydon) January 27, 2022

The usually outspoken Piers Morgan also penned a heartwarming tribute to “a warm, funny and talented man.”

RIP Barry Cryer, 86.
Such a warm, funny and talented man. A giant of British comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry. pic.twitter.com/Qoc7Onjz3K

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 27, 2022

Cryer is survived by his wife of 60 years, Theresa, their four children, Bob, Tony, Jackie, and Dave. He also had seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.