Tributes have been paid to “unique comedian” Jeremy Hardy, who has died aged 57 after suffering from cancer.
The stand-up comedian was known for his appearances on Mock The Week and Radio 4 shows The News Quiz and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.
His publicist Amanda Emery said that Hardy “retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny”.
She said that Hardy died with his wife and daughter at his side.
Impressionist Rory Bremner wrote on Twitter: “Sad beyond measure that Jeremy Hardy died this morning. Unfussy, unshowy, principled, self-deprecating, hugely loved and admired by his fellow comedians, and funnier than the lot of us put together. A unique comedian and a lovely man.”
Sad beyond measure that Jeremy Hardy died this morning. Unfussy, unshowy, principled, self-deprecating, hugely loved & admired by his fellow comedians, and funnier than the lot of us put together. A unique comedian & a lovely man.
— Rory Bremner (@rorybremner) February 1, 2019
Pointless star Richard Osman wrote: “I was very lucky to work with Jeremy Hardy early in my career.
I was very lucky to work with Jeremy Hardy early in my career. Every day was a masterclass, a privilege. He was so naturally and brilliantly funny, and a man who chose to use his comedy to change the world, rather than to fill stadia. A very sad day. #RIPJeremy
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) February 1, 2019
“Every day was a masterclass, a privilege. He was so naturally and brilliantly funny, and a man who chose to use his comedy to change the world, rather than to fill stadia. A very sad day. #RIPJeremy”
Jack Dee wrote: “Jeremy Hardy was ground-breakingly brilliant, off the register funny, compassionate and caring. So privileged to have counted him as a dear friend. My love goes out Katie and Betty and all his wonderful family. x
Jeremy Hardy was ground-breakingly brilliant, off the register funny, compassionate and caring. So privileged to have counted him as a dear friend. My love goes out Katie and Betty and all his wonderful family. x
— Jack Dee (@TheRealJackDee) February 1, 2019
BBC Radio 4 tweeted: “We are desperately sad to announce that Jeremy Hardy, mainstay of I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue and The News Quiz, and one of the funniest people around, has died of cancer aged 57. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.”
We are desperately sad to announce that Jeremy Hardy, mainstay of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue and The News Quiz, and one of the funniest people around, has died of cancer aged 57. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him. https://t.co/brZUlOZhHC pic.twitter.com/ZDa5EaUOjG
— BBC Radio 4 (@BBCRadio4) February 1, 2019
Broadcaster Victoria Coren said: “Jeremy Hardy was so special and brilliant and mischievous, a miracle of a person. I loved him a lot.”
Jeremy Hardy was so special and brilliant and mischievous, a miracle of a person. I loved him a lot. He was so kind when my father died. My dad admired him enormously. It’s so sad.
— Victoria Coren M. (@VictoriaCoren) February 1, 2019
News Quiz and Mock The Week star Angela Barnes said: “Utterly heartbroken to have to say goodbye to Jeremy Hardy. He was so very kind and supportive of me, I’ve had so many laughs sat next to him on the News Quiz and even more in the pub afterwards. So much love and strength to his family. Night Jeremy, cheers for the laughs xxx”
Utterly heartbroken to have to say goodbye to Jeremy Hardy. He was so very kind and supportive of me, I’ve had so many laughs sat next to him on the News Quiz and even more in the pub afterwards. So much love and strength to his family. Night Jeremy, cheers for the laughs xxx
— Angela Barnes (@AngelaBarnes) February 1, 2019
Hardy’s TV work included Now Something Else, with Bremner, Blackadder Goes Forth and Loose Talk.
So sorry to hear of the death of Jeremy Hardy. We used to have the same pee break at GLR in the 80s and would chat in a comradely way at the urinals.
— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) February 1, 2019
He also wrote books while his films included Hotel (2001) and How To Be (2008).
Ms Emery said in a statement: “Friends and family of comedian Jeremy Hardy are immensely sad to announce that Jeremy died of cancer, early on Friday 1st February.
“He was with his wife and daughter as he died.
“He retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny.
“He will be enormously missed by so many, who were inspired by him and who laughed with him.”
She said that a memorial would be held in Hardy’s honour.