sad loss of a comedy legend! Comedian Mel Smith has died of a heart attack aged 60, his agent said on Saturday. The comic, known for Alas Smith and Jones and Not the Nine O'Clock News, was at his home in London when he died on Friday, his agent Michael Foster said. In a statement to the Press Association on behalf of Smith's wife Pam, Mr Foster said: "Mel Smith, comedian and writer, died on Friday aged 60, from a heart attack at his home in north west London." Griff Rhys Jones called his longtime comedy partner "a force for life" to everybody who met him, adding he was "a gentleman and a scholar, a gambler and a wit". Jones added: "We are all in a state of shock. We have lost a very, very dear friend." from AOL
He could straight act too - he starred in a series for Central called 'Muck & Brass' (alongside Jim Bowen and Paul Shane also in straight roles oddly enough). I thought he was great in that. I interviewed Jim Bowen a couple of years ago and he was very complimentary about Mel Smith, and remarked about his generosity. It is perhaps telling that he also mentioned that Mel liked a drink, which given his documented addictions, it maybe isn't a surprise that he was taken as an early age. Sad loss though - a very popular talent.
A great loss. I'll never forget the first time NTNON came on the TV, luckily I was living in the UK & could understand the references
