I had no idea he was ill. At a time when comedy, even satirical comedy, has deteriorated to a series of knob jokes and boring formulaic 'observational' stand-up, his talents might still be changing things. I wondered where he'd gone.
Rotten news. He was a director too ('Bean') and a considerable comedy writer.
I had no idea he was ill. At a time when comedy, even satirical comedy, has deteriorated to a series of knob jokes and boring formulaic 'observational' stand-up, his talents might still be changing things. I wondered where he'd gone.
Rotten news. He was a director too ('Bean') and a considerable comedy writer.
Sadly he was ill for a long time-had gout and became addicted to painkillers, taking over 50 a day. He was in a few shows lately but people said how poorly he seemed.
Someone I know saw him in public last year and said he 'looked like death' then, so I'm not surprised but am very saddened-I grew up watching 'Alas Smith and Jones'.
Like Eric Morecambe and Tommy Cooper, Mel was one of those wonderful comedians who didn't have to say anything to make you laugh. His rubber face was priceless.
Here is one of my favourite "Not the 9 O'Clock news" sketches......
