Comedian Jeremy Hardy, a regular on BBC Radio 4 panel shows like The News Quiz and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, has died of cancer aged 57.
His death was confirmed on Friday by his publicist, Amanda Emery.
Hardy made his name on the comedy circuit in the 1980s, winning the prestigious Perrier Award in 1988 and best live act at the ITV Comedy Awards in 1991, reports BBC.
On TV he appeared on shows like QI and sketch program Now – Something Else.
In a statement, Hardy’s publicist said he died early on Friday and was with his wife and daughter when he died.
“He retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny,” Ms Emery continued.
“He will be enormously missed by so many, who were inspired by him and who laughed with him.
“A fitting memorial will take place, details to be announced soon.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among those to mark his passing, saying Hardy had “made us all smile” and “made us all think.”
BBC Radio 4 also expressed sadness at the loss of “one of the funniest people around”.
Born in Farnborough in Hampshire, in 1961, Hardy studied modern history and politics at the University of Southampton before embarking on his stand-up career.
From the outset, he worked his socialist politics into his topical act.
He made his television debut in 1986 in Now – Something Else, an early vehicle for Bremner. Hardy was a featured writer and also played the role of Jeremy the Trainee.
Hardy also appeared as Corporal Perkins in an episode of the BBC comedy Blackadder Goes Forth in 1989. Seven years later, he presented an episode of Top of the Pops.
Also in 1996, Hardy teamed up with comedian Jack Dee to write Channel 4 sketch show Jack and Jeremy’s Real Lives. The pair would later work together again on I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.
Hardy became well-known for his comically bad singing on the long-running radio panel game.
