An epileptic fit seems likely. It's heartbreaking news, but on the bright side - he cheated death once - and managed to claw back another 16 odd years. Such a loss though. His poor family.
I felt more sorrow at this than any other "celebrity" death I can think of. It's almost as if he defined the best part of my life.
A bigger downside is that the BBC are probably at this moment putting together one of their crappy tributes, comprising all-too-brief clips, irritatingly interspersed by talentless rent-a-gobs who never met him, such as Russells Kane and Howard, saying how he was such a massive influence on their careers.
RIP Rick, one of the truly great comics of his generation. Totally agree with the comment about the possibility of a cringe worthy BBC retrospective no doubt being put together as we speak, but at least he'll get one and it will be a chance to honour some of his greatest moments.
I felt more sorrow at this than any other "celebrity" death I can think of. It's almost as if he defined the best part of my life.
A bigger downside is that the BBC are probably at this moment putting together one of their crappy tributes, comprising all-too-brief clips, irritatingly interspersed by talentless rent-a-gobs who never met him, such as Russells Kane and Howard, saying how he was such a massive influence on their careers.
I know what you mean. This is the BBC not a place of entertainment.
"This house will become a shrine... And punks and skins and Rastas will all gather round and all hold their hands in sorrow for their fallen leader! And all the grown-ups will say, "But why are the kids crying?" And the kids will say, "Haven't you heard? Rik is dead! The People's Poet is dead! And then one particularly sensitive and articulate teenager will say, "Why kids, do you understand nothing? How can Rik be dead when we still have his poems?" Then another kid will say... "
I'd love the BBC to release the scripts from the 4th series of Bottom that were written but never recorded in the 90s. Apparently they've sat in a drawer at Rik or Ade's for nearly 20 years. I can't think why BBC declined to make a fourth series, so a chance to look at what might have been would be a lovely tribute to Rik. He had so much work over the years that wasn't filmed but was written- I'd love a kind of "Unseen Rik" compendium to see some more of his creative endeavours.
You were a unique talent and will be hugely missed.:(
Haven't read through all the thread so this might have already been posted...won't hurt that it's posted again..
"This house will become a shrine, and punks and skins and rastas will all gather round and hold their hands in sorrow for their fallen leader. And all the grown-ups will say, "But why are the kids crying?" And the kids will say, "Haven't you heard? Rick is dead! The People's Poet is dead! And then one particularly sensitive and articulate teenager will say, "Other kids, do you understand nothing? How can Rick be dead when we still have his poems?"
I was trying to remember that full quote - thanks! Great stuff!:D
Such sad news. Met him once, he was funny, charming & handsome. His autograph to me read 'To Lucy, I'll never forget this fateful afternoon' :cool: RIP Rik.
Oh this is such sad news today. Shocked like most people at the loss of a comedy genius. Loved Rik and he will be a legend with no one like him ever again.
I can't remember the last time I shed a tear for a celebrity but I did today and feel so sad about Rik's passing. I am so grateful for the hours of entertainment he has given me over the years. He's a real hero of mine and will always be remembered with great fondness. I shall watch some Bottom this weekend and raise a glass
I'd love the BBC to release the scripts from the 4th series of Bottom that were written but never recorded in the 90s. Apparently they've sat in a drawer at Rik or Ade's for nearly 20 years. I can't think why BBC declined to make a fourth series, so a chance to look at what might have been would be a lovely tribute to Rik. He had so much work over the years that wasn't filmed but was written- I'd love a kind of "Unseen Rik" compendium to see some more of his creative endeavours.
I read Rik was quoted as saying he wanted to do another series of Bottom but Ade couldn't be persuaded .They fell out over it .
Rik made me laugh so much and ever since his first appearance on TV, I've loved him. Today he made me cry and I can't shake off the gloom cloud, it's like the light has gone out.
Rik made me laugh so much and ever since his first appearance on TV, I've loved him. Today he made me cry and I can't shake off the gloom cloud, it's like the light has gone out.
Get yourself on youtube, watch some funny clips. He was a funny guy, he wanted people to laugh
Interesting how a lot of media in the US are reporting the story as 'Drop Dead Fred Star Dies'. I guess I'd underestimated how popular the movie was over there, and overestimated the popularity of The Young Ones, Bottom etc there.
Hands up who sat through Kenny Everetts Video show every week in 1980s Thursday just in case you missed the start of The Young Ones? So sad, what an amazing guy. Grew up with his humour, thoughts are with his family, sad loss. Ade's comment summed it all up.
I can't remember the last time I shed a tear for a celebrity but I did today and feel so sad about Rik's passing. I am so grateful for the hours of entertainment he has given me over the years. He's a real hero of mine and will always be remembered with great fondness. I shall watch some Bottom this weekend and raise a glass
That's exactly how I felt when I heard,it made me cry silly I know but he was a huge part of my growing up in everything he and Ade Edmondson did and going to see him and Ade on Bottom Tours -just such a shock
Comments
A bigger downside is that the BBC are probably at this moment putting together one of their crappy tributes, comprising all-too-brief clips, irritatingly interspersed by talentless rent-a-gobs who never met him, such as Russells Kane and Howard, saying how he was such a massive influence on their careers.
I know what you mean. This is the BBC not a place of entertainment.
"This house will become a shrine... And punks and skins and Rastas will all gather round and all hold their hands in sorrow for their fallen leader! And all the grown-ups will say, "But why are the kids crying?" And the kids will say, "Haven't you heard? Rik is dead! The People's Poet is dead! And then one particularly sensitive and articulate teenager will say, "Why kids, do you understand nothing? How can Rik be dead when we still have his poems?" Then another kid will say... "
Sad day :-( x
I was trying to remember that full quote - thanks! Great stuff!:D
Love it!:D
RIP Rik!
I read Rik was quoted as saying he wanted to do another series of Bottom but Ade couldn't be persuaded .They fell out over it .
Same here. He was fantastic
Get yourself on youtube, watch some funny clips. He was a funny guy, he wanted people to laugh
RIP Rik.
I've been doing that, plus my son and I started watching The Young Ones again in his honour. Any excuse, if I'm honest
I bet you 1000's of people are doing the same thing. Whether it's Bottom, Jackanory, How to be a Little Sod, or something else.
Even the book cover is brilliant
That's exactly how I felt when I heard,it made me cry silly I know but he was a huge part of my growing up in everything he and Ade Edmondson did and going to see him and Ade on Bottom Tours -just such a shock