Comedian and musician Ronnie Golden has died suddenly aged 78. The entertainer, whose real name was Tony De Meur, was known for his work on Spitting Image and The Young Ones, as well as his decades-long career on the British comedy circuit.
Death at home without warning
Golden died at home on Saturday while his partner, film producer Grace Carley, was out walking their dog. Carley revealed that his death had come completely without warning.
Announcing the news, she said: '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.'
Carley did not give an official cause of death in her announcement.
Tributes from fellow comedians
Tributes have since poured in for the much-loved performer, whose unusual career spanned rock music, alternative comedy, television, radio and film.
Musical comedian Steve Gribbin remembered Golden as a 'comedy legend' and 'all-round good fella', saying seeing him at the annual Comedians' Christmas Party was always a highlight.
He added: '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, who had known Golden for decades, said she was 'devastated' by his death. Recalling first seeing his band The Fabulous Poodles while at St Andrews University before the pair later became friends and shared comedy bills, she described him as a 'true comedy friend'.
She added of Golden and Carley: 'His domestic bliss with you was beautiful to behold and our hearts and love go out to you.'
Career in music and comedy
Golden began his career in music, founding The Fabulous Poodles in the mid-1970s and serving as the group's lead singer and guitarist. The quirky pre-new wave outfit appeared on The Old Grey Whistle Test, released three albums and found particular success in America, where they toured extensively.
They shared bills with major names including Meat Loaf, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and The Ramones, and even served as Chuck Berry's backing band. Their 1978 US album Mirror Stars reached number 61 on the Billboard album chart.
