British comedian Victoria Wood died in London Wednesday morning after a battle with cancer. She was 62.
“The multi BAFTA award-winning writer, director, actor and comedian died peacefully at her north London home with family this morning,” her publicist, Neil Reading, said in a statement. “The family asks for privacy at this very sad time.”
Wood, although not particularly well known in the United States, was a major star in the United Kingdom, who won her first BAFTA TV Award in 1986 for “Victoria Wood as Seen on TV,” and most recently took home two more in 2007 for ITV drama “Housewife, 49.”
“Eric & Ernie,” a TV movie she co-wrote in 2011, earned Wood two final BAFTA nominations that same year.
Wood was born on May 19, 1953, in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, England, and got her first break in 1974 on the TV talent show “New Faces.” The multi-hyphenate with acting, writing, directing, producing and even composing credits on her resume went on to create shows including “Acorn Antiques” and “Dinnerladies,” which featured longtime collaborator Julie Walters, who American audiences may remember from her Oscar-nominated role in “Billy Elliot.”
Wood, who is survived by her daughter Grace and son Henry, is being mourned by major comedic talents including Ricky Gervais and “Absolutely Fabulous” star Jennifer Saunders.
Take a look at their statements below.
RIP the brilliant Victoria Wood. So innovative, funny and down to earth.
This has not been a good year.— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) April 20, 2016
Cant believe Vic has gone.She was truly an inspiration and had so much left to to give and we won't see it. She was so funny.#VictoriaWood
— jennifer saunders (@ferrifrump) April 20, 2016
I feel privileged to have known and worked with the great Victoria Wood. Unique and truly brilliant.
— Jack Dee (@TheRealJackDee) April 20, 2016