RalphC Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Comic actor and writer Mel Smith has died of a heart attack, aged 60, his agent has confirmed.The British comedian - known for the sketch shows Alas Smith and Jones and Not The Nine O'clock News - died at his home on Friday, Michael Foster said.Smith formed a lasting partnership with co-performer Griff Rhys Jones with whom he set up the independent television company, Talkback Productions.His producer John Lloyd described him as a great actor and wonderful editor.In a statement on behalf of his wife, Pam, Mr Foster said: "Mel Smith, comedian and writer, died on Friday aged 60, from a heart attack at his home in north west London."A London Ambulance spokeswoman said: "We were called just after 09:07 BST on Friday 19 July to an address in NW8 and sent two responders in cars, but sadly the patient was dead at the scene."Meanwhile, friends and colleagues paid tribute to Smith.Comedian and broadcaster Stephen Fry wrote: "Terrible news about my old friend Mel Smith, dead today from a heart attack. Mel lived a full life, but was kind, funny and wonderful to know."Author Kathy Lette wrote on Twitter: "RIP Mel Smith. Sorry to bring sad and bad news, but apparently he died from heart attack in his sleep."Writer Irvine Welsh tweeted: "Sad to hear about the death of Mel Smith, who gave me loads of laughs."Not the Nine O'clock News producer, Mr Lloyd, told the BBC his friend had been ill for some time."Mel did an extraordinary thing - he taught us all how to make comedy natural. He was a brilliant theatre director... Not only was he a great actor, he was a wonderful editor." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23390982 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big J R Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Sad news indeed. I used to love his 'Head to Head' conversations with Griff R-J. R.I.P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mayor Of Simpleton Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Shocking news RIP Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhodes Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 They're dropping like flies at the moment aren't they what with Bert Trautmann and Nelson Mandela's supposedly next in a day or two. RIP Mel Smith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_W Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 fond memories of watching 'Not the Nine O'clock News' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_W Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 A couple more..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mayor Of Simpleton Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Ian, It's spooky how we've both watched the same Mel Smith sketches today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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