The comedy legend was 79.
Tim Brooke-Taylor, best known for his roles in classic sketch show 'The Goodies' and TV series such as 'Heartbeat', 'The Kenny Everett Show' and 'Me and My Girl', has passed away at the age of 79.
The comedian was previously a member of the Cambridge Footlights, and shared the stage following college with members of the Monty Python troupe, specifically John Cleese, Michael Palin and Graham Chapman.
Brooke-Taylor is best known for 'The Goodies', an anarchic mixture of sketch show and sitcom that saw him star alongside Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden. The show, which was an international hit, ran from 1970 to 1982 and inspired countless comedians, such as David Walliams, Rob Brydon, Stephen Fry, and many more.
Indeed, Stephen Fry, David Walliams, David Mitchell, and Rob Brydon led tributes to Brooke-Taylor's legacy on social media earlier today.
This is terribly sad news. He was a wonderful comedian and a really lovely man and I feel honoured to have known and worked with him. The world has been robbed - he had years more joy to give. https://t.co/1rnGcYGlfk
— David Mitchell (@RealDMitchell) April 12, 2020
I’m so so sad that a big comedy hero from my childhood, Tim Brooke-Taylor, has passed. Loved his energy & go for broke, try anything silliness. He made it seem like making people laugh was the best job in the world. Please allow me to repost this thread in tribute to his lunacy. https://t.co/TzZYx742tq
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) April 12, 2020
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
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
The comedian passed away following a diagnosis of COVID-19, and is survived by his wife Christine and sons Ben and Edward.