Remembering the comedians who died this year

Here are the comedy names we lost this year, and the tributes to them. To absent friends...

Janey ​Godley

January, 20, 1961 to 2 November 2, 2024 (63)

‘It felt like the world was telling her, be quiet, stay small, don't get big. So she did the opposite - she ventured far from our shores... she travelled across the world where she found people who loved her in every corner.  She grew bigger than she could have possibly imagined.’ Her daughter Ashley Storrie, also a comedian, at her funeral

‘She was the Scottish comedy scene’s shop steward, punk rock’s mother hen and our brightest, loudest star.’  Stand-up Scott Agnew

‘Janey Godley truly was a force of nature, and one of the funniest people I have ever known. Janey was also incredibly kind. And she made the world a better place’ Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

‘I make a joke of it because it’s my...life. It’s my lived experience and it’s my right to take it anywhere I want. Nobody can tell me what my lived experience means to them if I’m not allowed to say what it means to me.’ Janey herself on joking about the abuse and poverty she suffered

Ewen ​MacIntosh

December 25, 1973 to February 19, 2024 (50)

‘Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen MacIntosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original.’ Ricky Gervais

‘I fondly recall we asked him to improvise an out-of-office message, and he was so hilarious we started writing more and more dialogue for him. He soon stole every scene he was in. A total one-off. A tragic loss.’ Stephen Merchant

‘Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and possessed such a kind heart. He touched the lives of all who came into contact with him’ His agent Chelle Just

Steve ​Brown

October 25, 1954 to February 2, 2024 (69)

‘He elevated all the songs we did together to a level they didn’t need to be at to make the joke land. He’d say "let’s make the music good too". Why? Because we can. Because he could.’ Steve Coogan, who worked with the musician on shows including  Knowing Me, Knowing You, where Brown played band leader Glenn Ponder.

‘Comedy’s best kept secret’ Harry Hill, another long-term collaborator

'Steve Brown was a one-off talent. So funny, witty and kind, too . He will be much missed.’ Kate Robbins

Stu ​Who

Real name Stuart Henderson. c1950 to May 10, 2024 (74)

‘t was never a dull moment with Stu. If you saw him live, you were lucky. If you managed to hear any of his stories in a dressing room, you’re the luckiest.’ Michael Legge

‘Heart sore to hear the passing of Stu Who - the first person to ever bring me onstage and encourage me to keep on doing comedy. He was also a huge champion of Ashley, He was the first comedian I met and he never made me feel bullied or isolated. He’ll be missed. Stu Who’s backstage stories were fucking insane and legendary. Everyone has a story about Stu Who and his stories - he will be so missed.’ Janey Godley 

‘He always encouraged every new comic on the scene, gave great advice to those breaking through and also told some absolutely ridiculous tales of his past. A maverick.’ Ray Bradshaw

Duncan ​Norvelle

April 2, 1958 to December 12, 2024 (69)

‘Chase me’ His catchphrase 

‘His type of comedy doesn’t happen any more. He’s probably the last of the legends of true variety comedy, so many have passed now. He was a gentle comedian, never swore on stage, he was a clean act’ His partner Lynn Trevallion

‘Duncan was a charismatic performer who thrilled audiences up and down the country with his style of humour and hilarious impressions, he was also a man of indomitable spirit! RIP old friend.’ Jimmy Cricket

Katie Phillips 

May 1978 to November 27, 2024 (46)

‘We will forever be astounded by the consistently positive and forward-thinking way that Katie decided to approach her illness [thyroid cancer]. As so many people have already said about Katie, she was the bravest person we knew. She was, quite simply, a brilliant publicist and boss. Assertive and uncompromising, whilst at all times kind, funny and empathetic’. Statement from her colleagues at KPPR, the publicity firm she founded, and which represented a lot of top-flight comedians

Richard ​Lewis

June 29, 1947 to February 27, 2024 (76)

‘Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he’s been like a brother to me. He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I’ll never forgive him.’ Larry David, who cast him in Curb Your Enthusiasm on the day he died.

‘When I was young I had the biggest crush on Richard Lewis. He was the funniest person on stage and the most handsome comedian. Then when I was cast on Curb Your Enthusiasm, I got to work with him and it was a dream come true’ Cheryl Hines 

Darren Maskell

c 1987 to February 9, 2024 (37)

'When alternative comedy fans talk about the acts of the 80s who used to 'do whatever they wanted' on stage and how 'that sort of act doesn't exist anymore' - the act they are describing is Darren Maskell There is not a single tribute to this absolute hero which doesn't reflect how unique and creative he was, I have never seen anyone like him and we probably won't again.' Adam Larter

'He was so funny and generous and kind. When I was starting out in comedy he was one of the people who showed me how silly and imaginative and funny it was possible to be. Feel very sad to think I won't see him being funny again.' Joz Norris

Marie ​Goulbourne 

c1978 to October 10, 2024 (46)

‘While there is no solace in what has happened, I am keeping in mind that she had a wonderful week before she passed.  She won a comedy competition [her hear of the BBC New Comedy Award]  with family and friends cheering her on in the audience, she spent a day in the country with her dearest friends, and we spent a fun evening where she cooked a special meal and we watched one of the daft Chinese dramas I got her hooked on.’ Her sister Jacqueline 

‘I can’t process that we will no longer have the mad conversations or swap gig stories… Absolutely gutted she made me laugh so much.  Beautiful soul and wonderful friend.’ Fellow comic Dawn Bailey

Jon Kenny

September  28, 1957 to November 15, 2024 (66)

  ‘Jon had the ability, that very few people possess, to make his audiences crack up laughing with a glance or a single word. Behind that seemingly effortless talent to joke, there was a gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker. Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D’Unbelievables’.  Simon Harris, Taoiseach of Ireland.

‘ I was lucky to spend so many years touring with Jon and learning from him. Creating some great shows and videos. Hilarious hours in the rehearsal room and playing great tunes.’ His  D'Unbelievables comedy partner Pat Shortt

Others we lost this year include:  

• Kenneth Cope, who starred in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and appeared in several Carry On films, died in September at the age of 93.
• John Clegg, who played  La Di Da Gunner Graham, in It Ain't Half Hot Mum, has died at the age of 90 in August.
• Jim Abrahams, who co-created spoofs such as Airplane! and The Naked Gun, died in November at the age of 80.
• Timothy West  has died at the age of 90 after a long career spanning great classic dramas to countless comedy roles.
• Tony Knight – an English comedian who made Australia his home – was killed by a falling tree branch in a freak accident  while at a festival in France in July. He was 54
• Comedy magician Steve Legg died in Septemberm 17 months after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He had written a book, The Last Laugh, about how his Christian faith and sense of humour helped him in the aftermath of his diagnosis.
• Eric Morecambe's widow Joan died in March on her 97th birthday.
• And in November, Mr Piffles, the faithful canine sidekick of Piff The Magic Dragon – the British comedy-magician now resident in Las Vegas after his memorable America’s Got Talent appearances – died at 16.

Published: 31 Dec 2024