Ronnie Corbett, best known as playing one half of “The Two Ronnies,” has died. He was 85.
The British comedian’s publicist told the Telegraph he passed away Thursday morning “surrounded by his loving family.”
“They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time,” the statement continued.
Corbett first rose to fame on “The Frost Report” in the 1960s alongside David Frost, John Cleese and Ronnie Barker, but then became a comedy duo with Barker, who passed away in 2005.
“The Two Ronnies” ran from 1971 to 1987, and typically began with the actors reading mock news headlines. Corbett also appeared on TV series like “Corbett’s Follies” and “No, That’s Me Over Here.” One of his most memorable solo projects includes the game show “Small Talk,” as well as “Sorry!”
Corbett was born in 1930 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and began his acting career at the age of 15 in a pantomime as his local church youth club. Corbett did not attend university but joined the Ministry of Agriculture instead. According to the BBC, his first roles were playing schoolboys due to his 5’11” height.
Cleese took to Twitter to say goodbye to the “great, kind mentor and a wonderfully witty companion.” Hugh Laurie, who starred in BBC’s “Night Manager,” described him as a “beautiful, brilliant man.”
Ricky Gervais also took to Twitter to post about the loss: “RIP the lovely, funny legend Ronnie Corbett. It was an absolute honour and joy to have known him.”
Russell Crowe thanked Corbett for “all the laughs mate.”
Corbett is survived by his wife and his two daughters, Emma and Sophie Corbett.
See the reactions to his death on Twitter below.
Just heard about Ronnie C.So sad.He had the best timing I've ever watched.He was a great, kind mentor and a wonderfully witty companion.
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) March 31, 2016
Ronnie Corbett, may he rest in peace. A beautiful, brilliant man.
— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) March 31, 2016
RIP the lovely, funny legend Ronnie Corbett. It was an absolute honour & joy to have known him.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 31, 2016
And it's good night from Ronnie Corbett . Thanks for all the laughs mate.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 31, 2016