Comedian Jeremy Hardy - who appeared regularly as a panelist on Radio 4 - died of cancer early on Friday, his publicist AmandaEmery said.
A stand-up comedian, Hardy was also a hit on panel shows such as The News Quiz and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Publicist Amanda 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, February 1.
"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.
On January 3, Hardy tweeted fellow BBC radio man Danny Baker, seemingly revealing publicly for the first time he had terminal cancer.
He said: "Danny desperate for you to see this. You’re the best broadcaster in Britain. We both love Julia. Don’t tell her but I’m dying. Cancer. Docs say anytime.
"I tried to tweet that I loved your TV show but said something about Peter’s slight vowel slip."
@prodnose Danny desperate for you to see this. You’re the best broadcaster in Britain. We both love Julia. Don’t tell Her but I’m dying. Cancer. Docs say anytime. I tried to tweet that I loved your TV show but said something about Peter’s slight vowel slip
— Jeremy Hardy (@JeremyJHardy) January 3, 2019
It is not known who the Julia that Hardy referred to in the tweet is, but Baker revealedhe had not read the tweet until after his colleague had died, and believed it had not meant to be sent publicly.
On Friday, Baker tweeted: "Just seen a tweet that the blessed Jeremy Hardy sent me a few weeks back. In it he tells me he hasn't got long, I think he meant it as a DM. I didn't see it at the time and so never responded. Nothing to be done now."
The tweet on January 3 was one of a string he sent that day. He later apologised for repeatedly posting, saying he couldn't sleep.
Five days later, he said: "OK. I’m a clumsy 57. Had a fall but I’m not going in anywhere. Took strong pain relief. Very dopey. Tweeted some nonsense. There."
The stars of comedy pay tribute to Hardy
Pointless star Richard Osman paid tribute to him, writing on Twitter: "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."
He signed off the message with the hashtag RIPJeremy.
Fellow comic Jack Dee also paid tribute to Hardy on Twitter, writing: "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 andBetty and all his wonderful family."
Comedian Angela Barnes, who appeared regularly with Hardy onThe News Quiz, said she was "utterly heartbroken".
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
Reverend Richard Coles has also paid tribute, writing: "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."
Rory Bremner worked with Hardy on Now - Something Else and said the news was "sad beyond measure".
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
Justin Moorhouse, who starred in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, said: "Not always sure of tweeting after someone dies, but Jeremy Hardy was the gentlest, kindest, funniest person.
"He was just brilliant with me when I worked with him on the radio. Encouraging, supportive and just a nice bloke. I’m grateful for having met him and known him a little."
Fellow News Quiz mainstay Hugo Rifkind said: "Heartbroken at the loss of my dear friend Jeremy Hardy.
"Not merely one of the funniest men I've ever known, but one of the kindest, cleverest and most supportive, too. Sending my love to all who loved him, too."
Related Topics
- Radio 4,
- Cancer
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