'Thanks for all the laughs'
Barry Cryer dead: Piers Morgan and Stephen Fry lead tributes as comedy world mourns ‘genius’ comic and writer
BARRY Cryer has been honoured by some of Britain's biggest names after his sad death aged 86.
The much-loved British comedian, actor, and writer passed away as heartfelt tributes poured in for him from stars including Piers Morgan and Stephen Fry.
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His career in the entertainment industry spanned decades - and admirers and celebrity pals flocked to social media to pay tribute to the legend.
Paying tribute, Piers Morgan said this morning: "RIP Barry Cryer, 86.
"Such a warm, funny and talented man. A giant of British comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry."
Stephen Fry tweeted: "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."
Gyles Brandreth wrote: "RIP Barry Cryer. 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."
Jon Holmes added: "RIP The legend that is Barry Cryer. Who else is going to call me and tell me old jokes that only he could still make funny, now? Such sad news."
Tracie Bennett said: "Barry Cryer An absolute Legend and forerunner to all in his field. Massive loss."
Mark Gatiss said: "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."
Food Critic Jay Rayner posted: "Farewell to the great Barry Cryer. A comic genius and a very, very lovely man. Had a habit of phoning people on their birthday and telling them a joke. It was always a good one. But then his jokes always were."
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Comedian Omid Djalili said: "Had a dream about Barry Cryer last night saying “goodbye old chum.” Eternally grateful to have been with him on his last ever @ISIHAClue broadcasts. RIP my friend."
Comedian Ross Noble posted: ";Devastating news to hear of the passing of Barry Cryer.
"He was a legend of his generation and more engaged with the many new generations of writers and comics who followed him than anyone else in the business. Spending time with him was always a great joy.
"Such a funny and nice man."
Barry's son Bob Cryer took to Twitter to release a statement on behalf of the family.
It read: "It is our sad duty to inform you that our dear Barry (or Baz to his mates) died on Tuesday afternoon (25th January 2022) at Northwick Park Hospital, in Harrow. "However, we're pleased to say that he died peacefully, in good spirits and with his family around him. He was 86.
"He continued: "Dad was a talented comedy writer and comedian in a particular golden vintage. Incidentally he never liked the terms 'comedy writer' or 'comedian', instead preferring 'hack' and 'entertainer' and always thought the term 'national treasure' meant he'd been dug up. He was, in his words arrogant in his humility.
"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 people laugh. A lot. Over many years."
"Baz was, firstly, a loving husband to Terry for nearly sixty years and a gentle father to Tony, David, Jack and Bob. He was a friend to their partners Jayne, Matt, Garry and Suzannah.
"As a grandfather, Ruby, Tom, Evan, Archie, Hope, Martha and Connie all loved him and more recently, Ruby's daughter Isobel, had the good fortune to spend time with her great grandfather."
Barry, born in Leeds in 1935, won an OBE in 2001 for services to comedy - where the Queen told him to "keep on making people laugh."
Barry Cryer was snapped up as a variety performer while appearing in a university revue, before eventually working with David Frost on the Frost Report.
Beginning his career at London's famed Windmill Theatre, he wrote with and for the biggest names in British comedy.
And the legend has appeared in BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue since its inception in 1972.
Barry also wrote for many showbiz legends - including Sir Bruce Forsyth, The Two Ronnies and Morcambe and Wise.
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The comedian married his wife Theresa in 1962 - and he leaves behind four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Just weeks ago, Barry began conquering new mediums at the age of 86 - and started a podcast along with his son Bob, called Now, Where Were We?
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