Cancer claims comic's life

Tributes have been paid to comedian and actor Felix Dexter, who died yesterday.

The 52-year-old had long been suffering from multiple myeloma, an incurable bone marrow cancer.

His agent, Geoff Whiting of Mirth Control, said: 'It is awful news.'

'We had a close association with him over many years and he was a great guy, a talented comic and a true professional.

'My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time for them all.

'I had the pleasure of going over to do the Guernsey Comedy Festival with him for a three night run in 2011, and we spent time together talking about the highs and lows of being a stand-up and swapping tales of life on the road. Fond memories indeed of a man who will be sadly missed.'

Dexter came to prominence on Nineties TV sketch show The Real McCoy and was seen on TV just hours before his death was confirmed in the BBC One sitcom Citizen Khan, where he played Omar, a Somalian Muslim who works at the mosque.

His other credits include Down The Line, 15 Storeys High, Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You, The Fast Show and Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge.

He continued to play the live circuit throughout his career, and also starred as a stage actor, appearing in the 2006 Edinburgh and West End runs of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest with Christian Slater and a season of three of the Bard’s plays in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Social networks have been awash with tributes from his friends and fellow comics.

John Simmit, who worked closely with Dexter on the comedy circuit. posted online: ‘I knew I'd be writing this soon, but it doesn't make it any easier. RIP Felix Dexter, you talented & very private man. Sleep well bro’.

Fellow Real McCoy star Eddie Nestor posted on Facebook: 'This afternoon Felix Dexter passed from this world. May his soul rest in peace.’

Shappi Khorsandi said: ‘Just heard Felix Dexter has passed away. He was one of THE most supportive comics to us new open spots and a world class performer. RIP’

And Danny Wallace added: ‘Terrible news about Felix Dexter. Oh, man. That's so sad. He was an extremely nice, extremely talented man.’

Sean Hughes said: ‘So so sad to hear about the truly wonderful Felix Dexter passing away. I hope you can feel the love in the comedy community fella. Rip.’

Born in St Kitts in the West Indies, he moved to London with his family at the age of seven. He studied law, but gave up training as a barrister to become a comedian.

Here he is in The Real McCoy:

Dexter is the second Real McCoy star to pass away this year, after Collette Johnson died in August, also at the age of 52.

Published: 18 Oct 2013