Barry Cryer dead at 86 – Cause of death not revealed as veteran comedian & writer for The Two Ronnies passes away

He wrote some of his best work alongside John Junki

Cryer, who wrote some of his best work alongside John Junkin in the 1970s, also worked alongside radio DJ and television presenter Kenny Everett. 

A supremely talented writer and comedian, he was made an OBE in 2001 for services to comedy. In a BBC article reporting on the honour, Cryer was titled the ‘King of Comedy’.

The TV shows Barry Cryer was on

The comedy writer worked on many shows.

Barry always preferred to write in partnership, so that should he dry-up he was never left to deliver material.

His regular partner during the 1970s was John Junkin, and the pair wrote some of The Morecambe And Wise Show in its BBC heyday

Barry also wrote episodes for the television comedy series Doctor In The House.

Since 2018, his clip show Comedy Legends With Barry has been broadcast by Sky Arts, a programme paying tribute to a number of comedians such as Frankie Howerd and Bob Hope.

What was Barry Cryer’s cause of death?

Details surrounding Barry’s death, including a cause, are yet to be disclosed.

His heartbroken family released a statement today confirming his passing.

Explained: Who was Barry Cryer?

Barry, born in Leeds in 1935, won an OBE in 2001.

The comedian married his wife Theresa in 1962 – and he leaves behind four children, seven grandchildren, and one grandchild.

The Radio 4 favourite was a regular panellist on I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, and spawned the popular characters Hamish and Dougal with Graeme Garden.

He was also known for his work with fellow comedians, including Tommy Cooper, Kenny Everett, Spike Milligan and Les Dawson.

In 2021, Barry began conquering new mediums and started a podcast along with his son Bob, called Now, Where Were We?

More tributes from the world of showbiz

Jon Holmes added: “RIP The legend that is Barry Cryer. Who else is going to call me and tell me old jokes that only he could still make funny, now? Such sad news.”

Tracie Bennett said: “Barry Cryer An absolute Legend and forerunner to all in his field. Massive loss.”

Mark Gatiss said: “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.”

Tributes pour in

Paying tribute, Piers Morgan said this morning: “RIP Barry Cryer, 86.

“Such a warm, funny and talented man. A giant of British comedy. Thanks for all the laughs, Barry.”

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.”

Gyles Brandreth wrote: “RIP Barry Cryer. 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.”

Just weeks ago he was considering making a podcast

Just weeks ago, Barry began conquering new mediums at the age of 86 – and started a podcast along with his son Bob, called Now, Where Were We?

Cryer said in 1998: “I haven’t had a career, just a series of incidents. I’ve been dogged by good luck all my life.”

His career in the entertainment industry spanned decades – and admirers and celebrity pals flocked to social media to pay tribute to the legend.

Barry wrote for many showbiz legends

The legend has appeared in BBC Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue since its inception in 1972.

Barry also wrote for many showbiz legends – including Sir Bruce Forsyth, The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise.

The comedian married his wife Theresa in 1962 – and he leaves behind four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

His earlier career and appearances

Barry, born in Leeds in 1935, won an OBE in 2001 for services to comedy – where the Queen told him to “keep on making people laugh.”

Barry Cryer was snapped up as a variety performer while appearing in a university revue, before eventually working with David Frost on the Frost Report.

Beginning his career at London’s famed Windmill Theatre, he wrote with and for the biggest names in British comedy.

His early TV appearances were bolstered by a string of panel shows, with Cryer’s comic timing being witnessed on That’s Showbusiness, Blankety Blank, and What’s My Line.

Statement from Barry’s family (Continued…)

The statement from Barry Cryer’s family continued: “Never lose touch with silly, he said, quoting his idol Humphrey Lyttelton – something we’ve all been very grateful for in the last few days.”

It also thanked doctors, nurses and consultants who had cared for their father, mentioning the names of people from Macmillan, adding: “It’ll be of no surprise to those that knew and worked with him that he was telling an Archbishop of Canterbury joke to a nurse not long before he died.

“That was one of his gifts, making strangers feel welcome. Making them laugh.”

Statement from Barry’s family

His heartbroken family said: “He had a gift for friendship and a genius for putting people at their ease. Oh yes, and he made many people laugh. A lot.”

They said he died peacefully in “good spirits” surrounded by his family.

A statement said: “It is our sad duty to inform you that our dear dad Barry (or Baz to his mates) died on Tuesday afternoon (25th January 2022) at Northwick Park Hospital, in Harrow.

“However, we’re pleased to say that he died peacefully, in good spirits and with his family around him. He was 86.

“Dad was a talented comedy writer and comedian in a particularly golden vintage. Incidentally he never really liked the terms ‘comedy writer’ or ‘comedian’ instead preferring hack and entertainer, and always thought the term ‘national treasure’ meant he’d just been dug up. He was, in his words, arrogant in his humility.

“He had a gift for friendship (as anyone who still has a landline will testify) and a genius for putting people at their ease. Oh yes, and he made many people laugh. A lot. Over many years.”