TIM BROOKE-TAYLOR, who was best known as part of British comedy troupe The Goodies, has died aged 79 after contracting coronavirus.
A highly influential and prominent figure in the UK comedy scene for more than half a century, Brooke-Taylor's career encompassed work in radio, television, film and theatre.
While he was known for his 40 years of contributions to the Radio 4 panel show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, his lasting legacy is as one of the stars of The Goodies alongside Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.
The anarchic TV comedy set in a flat shared by the three stars ran from 1970 to 1982 and drew in millions of viewers of all ages with its blend of wit and striking visual humour.
Children, meanwhile, may recall Brooke-Taylor as the narrator of the cult cartoon series Bananaman.
Brooke-Taylor's agent confirmed the news of his sad passing in a statement paying tribute to his life and work.
He said: "It is with great sadness that we announce Tim's death early today from Covid-19.
"We will remember him for so much but must just mention The Goodies and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
"He had, of course, many fans whom he always treated cheerfully even after long and exhausting rehearsals and recordings.
"He was an exceptional client and a pleasure to represent."
Just heard the devastating news of the death of Tim Brooke-Taylor. A hero for as long as I can remember, and –on a few golden occasions – a colleague and collaborator on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. Gentle, kind, funny, wise, warm, but piercingly witty when he chose to be. So sad
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) April 12, 2020
Garden, his Goodies co-star, was among the first to pay tribute to his friend and fellow performer.
He said: "I am terribly saddened by the loss of a dear colleague and close friend of over 50 years.
"Tim and I met at Cambridge University in the early 1960s and have enjoyed working together almost constantly from that time onwards, on radio, stage, and TV.
"He was a funny, sociable, generous man who was a delight to work with. Audiences found him not only hilarious but also adorable.
"His loss at this dreadful time is particularly hard to bear, and my thoughts are with Christine, Ben, Edward and their families."
He was joined by the likes of Stephen Fry, Jack Dee, Rob Brydon and David Walliams in paying their respects.
“I was obsessed with ‘The Goodies’ as a child, the first comedy show I really loved,” Walliams wrote.
“I queued up to get the Goodies’ autographs as a grown-up, and got to meet Tim Brooke-Taylor more recently at a party. I was in total awe, but he was so kind & generous. It is so sad he is gone.”
I was obsessed with ‘The Goodies’ as a child, the first comedy show I really loved. I queued up to get the Goodies’ autographs as a grown-up, and got to meet Tim Brooke-Taylor more recently at a party. I was in total awe, but he was so kind & generous. It is so sad he is gone. pic.twitter.com/wxyGpJoyIU
— David Walliams HQ (@davidwalliams) April 12, 2020
Fry said: “A hero for as long as I can remember, and –on a few golden occasions – a colleague and collaborator on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
“Gentle, kind, funny, wise, warm, but piercingly witty when he chose to be. So sad.”
Brydon described him as “a wonderful man.
“So many happy times sat next to him on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue,” he added.
“My thoughts are with his family.”
So sad to hear that the great Tim Brooke Taylor has died. A wonderful man, so many happy times sat next to him on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. Here we are with Barry, Colin and Graeme at a celebration of the show in January. He was on great form. My thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/9CfottzJVe
— Rob Brydon (@RobBrydon) April 12, 2020
Jack Dee, the current host of I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue also said: "It has come as devastating news to hear that Tim has succumbed to this dreadful virus - especially when we all thought he was recovering.
"Tim was a delightful man and never anything but great company."
rooke-Taylor is survived by his wife Christine and sons Ben and Edward.
