RIP Rik Mayall

[DanaC]

Every so often a famous person dies and it really rocks you. This one rocked me. He was such a massive presence in youth culture when i was growing up, and along with his colleagues on the Young Ones, Comic Strip, Bottom and the like, he helped change the face of British comedy.

In the 90s he had a very bad accident on his quad bike and spent five days in a coma. He recovered, but suffered long term memory loss and short term memory problems. He was never quite the same after that - and has had all sorts of related issues since. He never quite disappeared though - and in recent years has been quite busy on various projects, including a stage show based on his late 80s political sitcom The New Statesman.

I was really gutted to hear the news of his death. 56 is no fucking age - and made all the sadder because the last couple of times I've seen him in interviews he seemed so much more settled and happy than he'd previously been.

One of the all-time greats of British 'alternative' comedy.


So, here's a little run-down of some of his work. Most of this stuff I knew by heart when I was a kid and into my teens. Some of these maybe mildly nsfw


Starting with Kevin Turvy - a strange young man, who lived with his mum and 'investigated' various subjects - a regular section on the Kick up the Eighties , sketch show (1981). Kevin's investigations were just rambling monologues, most of which feature some mention of Theresa Kelly, a girl he really fancies.



I remember watching these on tv when they aired. Me and my bro used to repeat lines to each other.


The Young Ones



I was 10 when the Young Ones first aired. It was The. Coolest. Show. on tv.


And finally, possibly best of all: Alan B'stard, the New Statesman





He was in lots of other stuff: Blackadder, Comic Strip Presents, some movies and some kids shows that passed me by, and of course Bottom, which was a tv show and also a stage show with Ade Edmondson- but the ones I've shown here were the ones that I most remember watching and loving.

[Bloke]

One of the funniest people on the planet. Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door makes me cry laughing. The Young Ones made a generation of kids happy at a time when there was little hope of getting a job. There isn't a time in my life when his humour wasn't around somewhere.

Rest in peace, you maniac!

[DanaC]

Oh! I forgot about Mr Jolly Lives Next Door. Awesome, awesome stuff.

[Undertoad]

He was so perfect in The Young Ones.

Also "Drop Dead Fred", the invisible friends comedy with my first love Phoebe Cates, which required him to be nearly as manic as his Young Ones character.

[Sundae]

I wrote some harsh words on here about the way someone said he used to behave.
I stand by what I was told, but it referred to him in his late teens/ early twenties after all.
The accolades coming in have suggested he was a true gentleman on set, putting supporting actors at their ease, being reliable and professional and an all round good chap.

As well as the usual, I liked him as Colin in Bad News:
Hey Mr Bassman
What is your name?
My name is Colin Grigson
And playing bass guitar is my game

Also:
On a clear day
You can see my penis

Completely overshadowed by Spinal Tap, but easily as funny in its own way.
I also liked Filthy, Rich and Catflap more than I should have, although to me Ade Edmondson had the better lines:


So odd to see Rik looking so young, slim and beautiful.
I fancied him despite his character's flaws in the Young Ones.

Glad at least he had pleasure out of life after his accident.
You're right, he really seemed to mellow from what I read, and take stock of a successful life.

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

He was so perfect in The Young Ones.

Also "Drop Dead Fred", the invisible friends comedy with my first love Phoebe Cates, which required him to be nearly as manic as his Young Ones character.

Oh no! This thread had little meaning for me until I realized we were talking about Drop Dead Fred. Phoebe Cates was the boys' first love, but Drop Dead Fred was mine.

[DanaC]

He was gorgeous looking. Though he was able (and willing) to make himself look ridiculous or ugly when necessary. I had a major crush on him as a teenager.

Ade Edmondson's statement was lovely. They'd been best friends since they met at Uni in the late 70s.

"There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing. They were some of the most carefree, stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him. And now he's died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard."

[monster]

Just saw the news. Hilarious as all fuck, but his sister said he was a tit before the accident and a bigger one after. Who struggled to cope. 56 is no age, but whilst not exactly a blaze of glory, I suspect he'd have preferred to disappear suddenly than creak it out in some old folks home somewhere. But I never met him. He could have been an utter sweetie. Condolences to the family.

[limey]

This is pretty good ...

[DanaC]

Excellent tribute show:

Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule

[Gravdigr]

I see this thread and keep thinking 'John' Mayall.

[BigV]

me too