Tributes have poured in after the death of comedian Jeremy Hardy, who has passed away aged 57.
The comedian, who was also known for his appearances on TV shows such asMock the Week and radio shows such as I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, died at home today with his wife and daughter by his side.
“Friends and family of comedian Jeremy Hardy are immensely sad to announce that Jeremy died of cancer, early on Friday 1st February,” said his publicist Amanda Emery in a statement.“He was with his wife and daughter as he died.”
She continued:“He retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny.
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“He will be enormously missed by so many, who were inspired by him and who laughed with him. A fitting memorial will take place, details to be announced soon.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among those to take to Twitter to pay tribute.
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“Jeremy Hardy was a dear, lifelong friend,” wrote Corbyn. “He always gave his all for everyone else and the campaigns for social justice. You made us all smile. You made us all think. Rest in peace, Jeremy.”
Comedian Jack Dee described him as “ground-breakingly brilliant, off the register funny, compassionate and caring,” while David Osman said: “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.”
Writer and radio/TV host Victoria Coren wrote: “Jeremy Hardy was so special and brilliant and mischievous, a miracle of a person. I loved him a lot. He was so kind when my father died. My dad admired him enormously. It’s so sad.”
Comedian Angela Barnes added: “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”
Jeremy Hardy was a dear, lifelong friend. He always gave his all for everyone else and the campaigns for social justice.
You made us all smile. You made us all think.
Rest in peace, Jeremy. pic.twitter.com/9ClbaPyDO0
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 1, 2019
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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 and Betty and all his wonderful family. x
— Jack Dee (@TheRealJackDee) February 1, 2019
Very sorry to hear that Jeremy Hardy has passed away. He was a stalwart at left wing benefit gigs and will be greatly missed by friends and fans. My thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/5tP7gviBC1
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) February 1, 2019
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. #RIPJeremy
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) February 1, 2019
Jeremy Hardy was one of my first favourite comedians when I started going to live gigs and his was the first full length solo show I saw when I went to the fringe when I was 18. I excitedly accosted him on Princess Street and asked him about becoming a comedian. RIP.
— Robin Ince (@robinince) February 1, 2019
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
Jeremy Hardy has died. That’s started the day with a punch in the guts. Lovely bloke, very funny and a genuine force for good.
— Ed Byrne (@MrEdByrne) February 1, 2019
Jeremy Hardy was so special and brilliant and mischievous, a miracle of a person. I loved him a lot. He was so kind when my father died. My dad admired him enormously. It’s so sad.
— Victoria Coren Mitchell (@VictoriaCoren) February 1, 2019
RIP Jeremy Hardy. A good socialist. pic.twitter.com/D7FemNmnhZ
— Simon Price (@simon_price01) February 1, 2019
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 x
— Justin Moorhouse (@justinmoorhouse) February 1, 2019
Jeremy Hardy was the first stand-up to arrive on the circuit fully formed. While the rest of us were floundering around in search of our voices, Jeremy was as funny on stage on day one as he was for the rest of his life. #RIPJezza
— Dave Cohen (@DaveCohencomedy) February 1, 2019
A columnist and political activist as well an award-winning comedian, Hardy was beloved for his appearances onQI, Countdown’s dictionary corner, Blackadder Goes Forth, Grumpy Old Men andIf I Ruled The World as well asclassic radio shows such as The News Quiz, Chain Reaction and The Unbelievable Truth.
