Rik Mayall RIP: A Brilliant Comedian Has Died
ONE of the most brilliant comedians of his generation, Rik Mayall has died.
Mayall, of course, was in his element when playing utterly obnoxious characters. The most famous of his irritating personas was the poetry-writing, Cliff Richard-loving anarchist Rick in The Young Ones, along with Ade Edmondson, who both went on to becoming the arseholes in Bottom.
Mayall also appeared in shows including Blackadder, The New Statesman, The Wind In The Willows, Drop Dead Fred and many, many more productions.
Never has an actor been so well-loved for playing such repugnant human beings.
Mayall first burst onto the scene during The Comic Strip Club, which led to the wonderful The Comic Strip Presents. Right at the start of Britain’s alt.comedy boom, Mayall was there.
Of course, while many of his peers were sticking their fingers up at Thatcher, Mayall wasn’t afraid of pratfalling and slapstick, which he and Edmondson turned into an artform in Bottom. He wasn’t frightened of utilising it in The Young Ones either. Through huge pan-induced traumas, glib asides and that infamous sneer of his, Mayall somehow managed to retain a certain warmth.
Even as the gobby, showy and lecherous Lord Flashheart in Blackadder, you still love Mayall underneath it all. It was a remarkable feat.
However, Mayall was skilful enough to hold back too, with the scheming Tory that was Alan B’Stard in The New Statesman.
Quite simply, Mayall was one of the most gifted performers of his generation and we are all incredibly privileged to have seen him at his pomp.
A statement from Mayall’s management, Brunskill, said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rik Mayall who passed away this morning.
“We will be issuing a further statement in the fullness of time.”
Posted: 9th, June 2014 | In: Celebrities Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
