Barry Cryer dead: Much-loved comedian’s family share heartfelt tribute saying he was making jokes right until the end

COMEDY legend Barry Cryer has died at the age of 86.

The much-loved British comedian, actor, and writer passed away as heartfelt tributes poured in for him.

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 - and was making jokes right until the end.

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.

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."

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.

LOST A LEGEND

And 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.

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.

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.

'GREATS OF BRITISH COMEDY'

"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."

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."

Dame Esther Rantzen paid tribute to Barry Cryer as an "encyclopaedia of humour".

The TV presenter, who first worked with Cryer in the 60s, told the PA news agency: "In a way Barry was a genius, but so unassuming that he would be astonished, I think, to be called a genius - but he was.

"His jokes were brilliantly crafted and a constant joy. He would ring his friends up with his latest parrot jokes or with some reflection on what was happening. He was so generous with his wit.

"He was just delightful. He worked on That's Life! for some time but I worked with him in many different contexts. He did a lot of charity events. He was just a lovely human being as well as being very, very funny."

She added: "He was like an encyclopaedia of humour and unfortunately recently I had met him at funerals, because alas, when you get into your eighth decade that tends to happen. But it was always a pleasure to sit next to him because he would always cheer you up.

"A lot of his work was invisible because he was a writer, obviously, as well as being a performer, so some of his finest jokes were spoken by other people, but they were Barry's."