'He made our little world way more fun'

Comedian Andy Smart has unexpectedly died at the age of 63.

His  daughter Grace announced his death of her father on social media, writing: 'I'm very sorry to let you all know that dad passed away unexpectedly last night.

'He had so many friends and such a great life. Raise a glass for him.’

The comic’s career dates back from the 1980s, and more latterly he was known as one of the regular members of the Comedy Store Players improv team.

Eddie Izzard led the tributes, writing: ‘Very sorry to hear this Grace. Andy was a very funny man and a great improviser. His talent will be missed.’

Fellow Comedy Store Player Josie Lawrence wrote: ‘Shocking news. Andy Smart has died. We the Comedy Store Players are utterly heartbroken. We cannot say how much we will miss him. He was a joy. He laughed more than anyone we knew. He did so much crazy stuff but mostly he made our little world way more fun. We loved him so much.’

Late Night Mash host Rachel Parris, who also sometimes performs with the Comedy Store Players, added: 'I can’t think of anyone who got more out of life than Andy Smart. He must’ve ticked off everything on his Bucket list then written a new list. It was so fun to play with him. I’m so sad he’s gone, and so sorry for everyone who loved him. What a shock and a loss. But what a life!'

Another Player, Steve Steen, wrote: 'Cannot believe Andy Smart in his beloved Farnborough t shirt will not be around anymore. The most generous, kindhearted and best giggler and storyteller I’ve ever known. We spent so many days and nights laughing. I, like many of you, will miss him. Every day. RIP mate.'

Mark Steel added: ‘Oh no! Just heard Andy Smart has left the world. He was always a great big ball of fun, whose ambition was simply to add to the total amount of fun. In a cricket match, I saw him take a stunning catch on the boundary, with a cigarette in his mouth. RIP beautiful soul.’

Kevin Bridges called him 'a great laugh and always a brilliant guy to be around' and  Charlie Baker said: 'Andy rinsed life dry. Not a drop left in the tank. A good man. Fun, funny, kind and generous. Sending all his family, friends and colleagues strength and love as he leaves us for the ultimate Yes and ….'

A former street entertainer, Smart was once part of a double act  called The Vicious Boys, who in the mid-Eighties appeared on various TV shows including The Tube, Saturday Starship and the Six O'Clock before they were given their own LWT show called Wake Up London.

In 1985 Janet Street Porter asked the Vicious Boys to provide the comedy on Get Fresh, a two-hour live outside broadcast every Saturday morning, and they went on to present American Football coverage on Channel 4.

The next three years were spent touring, including many trips to New York and two runs in Australia, but the duo split up in 1990. Smart then began a new career as a stand-up.

He has performed at more than 40  Edinburgh festivals, including solo shows in 1993 ( Look Back At Danger) and 1998 (a paean to marijuana called The Dope) and has been a permanent member of the Comedy Store Playerssince 1995.

In 2019, he released his memoirs, A Hitch In Time, about his early adventures  described as a 'series of jaw-dropping feats and bizarre situations from which, amazingly, he emerged unscathed' 

Published: 17 May 2023