Comedian Paul Sneddon, widely known by his stage name Vladimir McTavish, has died at the age of 70. The beloved performer, a fixture of the Scottish comedy circuit for over three decades, was remembered as "a much treasured and loved" member of the community in a statement from the Stand Comedy Club in Glasgow.
Stand Comedy Club Pays Tribute
Confirming his death, the comedy club said: "He was as known for his kindness, encouragement and generosity as he was for his immense talent. He made every green room brighter, every line-up funnier, and the world a nicer place to live in." The statement added: "We are broken at the loss of our dear friend and will, in time, be marking his life appropriately. For the time being, all our thoughts are with his family: Christine and his girls, Julia and Rosie, as well as his many friends and fans during this time."
Frankie Boyle Leads Star-Studded Tributes
Fellow Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle led the tributes, saying: "Just a great guy, and such an inclusive person. Made everyone feel welcome, and made me feel I was good enough to do tour supports for him when I wasn’t. I used to love, over the years, getting to say 'Please Welcome Vladimir McTavish' or 'Please Welcome Bob Doolally'. A great comic, a privilege to have known him, love to his family."
Award-winning comedian Marcus Ryan added: "Devastating news. My first encounter with Vladimir McTavish (Paul) was in 2005 at the Ed Fringe and a wonderful local to know when residing in Edinburgh. The Stand Comedy Club has always been like a family and welcomes you in. Paul has been a fixture of that family since day one. I’ve been lucky to have known him for 20 years, sharing the stage both in Scotland and Australia. The loveliest man, so many great chats and laughs. Big love to Christine, the girls and all the extended Stand family and fellow comedy pals, also just finding out. Tears are flowing. RIP Paul."
Fans and Social Media React
On X/Twitter, one fan wrote: "Rest in peace, Paul, you'll be missed." Another commented: "Oh, such a shame. Have seen his grumpy and very funny act a few times over the years, and he was a funny man. RIP Vladimir."
Career and Health Background
Paul Sneddon had been a mainstay of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe over his 30-year career, in addition to numerous TV and BBC radio appearances. He had been due to perform his 2026 show "And The S**t Hits the Fan for Vladimir McTavish" at the Festival Fringe next month. Although a cause of death has not been confirmed, Paul had previously revealed he had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
