Comedian Ronnie Golden, real name Tony De Meur, has died aged 78. His partner and film producer Grace Carley said he slipped away without pain while she was walking their dog.
Partner's statement
Grace said in a statement: "Without any fuss or bother, he simply slipped away yesterday afternoon while I was walking the dog. Never even fell off his perch, so to speak. I know it will be an enormous shock, as it was to me, but I am consoled by his complete lack of pain or suffering."
Grace encouraged family and friends to share their favourite memories of Ronnie, who gained fame for launching pre-new-wave group The Fabulous Poodles in 1975, most notably featuring on The Old Grey Whistle Test.
Career highlights
He ventured into stand-up comedy in The Comic Strip and The Young Ones, where he played a version of Buddy Holly dangling upside-down from a parachute, reports the Express. Ronnie's credits also included Spitting Image, Pushing Up Daisies and The Lenny Henry Show.
Tributes from fellow comedians
Heartfelt tributes poured in for the performer as musical comedian Steve Gribbin posted: "Such sad news about the death of comedy legend, very funny act, excellent musician and all-round good fella Tony De Meur aka Ronnie Golden."
"Every year I would see him at the Comedians' Christmas Party; my eyes would always light up...he was such a brilliant raconteur and he loved his music with a rare and incandescent passion..."
"He was a very funny man, and a lovely human being. My heart goes out to Grace and all his family."
Comedian Charmian Hughes wrote: "Tony has been in my performing world for as long as I've been doing it - but long before that I saw truly Fabulous Poodles at St Andrews University.."
"[We] shared so many bills and a true comedy friend."
"His domestic bliss with you was beautiful to behold and our hearts and love go out to you."
