Cryer had a career in the entertainment industry spanning decades
Comedian Barry Cryer has passed away at the age of 86.
Born in Leeds in 1935, the comedy legend had a career spanning decades, in which her worked with the likes of Tommy Cooper and Les Dawson.
He also wrote episodes for the TV comedy Doctor in the House, which starred Barry Evans and Simon Cuff. The series ran for two seasons from 1969 to 1970.
Throughout the 1970s , Cryer regularly wrote with John Junkin. The duo wrote two Christmas specials for The Morecambe and Wise Show.
And he had been a mainstay on BBC Radio 4’s much-loved comedy panel show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue since its launch in 1972.
Following news of his death today, celebrity friends and admirers of Barry flocked to social media to pay tribute.
The likes of Stephen Fry and Gyles Brandreth have paid tribute to Cryer, with Brandreth describing him as a “great mentor and friend.”
Brandreth said he was “the loveliest guy.”
RIP #BarryCryer. 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. pic.twitter.com/O8AgZyMYYt
— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) January 27, 2022
Meanwhile, 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.”
Cryer regularly appeared on BBC panel show QI, which Fry used to host. The show also paid tribute to the comedia.
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.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 27, 2022
Farewell to Barry Cryer, a comedy legend and a much loved member of the QI family. Our thoughts are with Barry's friends and family. pic.twitter.com/7f1RLi70La
— Quite Interesting (@qikipedia) January 27, 2022
Actor Mark Gatiss added: “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.”
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. ❤️
— Mark Gatiss 💙 (@Markgatiss) January 27, 2022
Cryer was awarded an OBE in 2001 for his career in the entertainment industry.
He married his wife Theresa in 1962 and leaves behind four children and seven grandchildren.
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