Veteran comedian Ronnie Corbett has died aged 85 surrounded by his family.
“Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family,” a statement from his publicist said on Thursday.
“They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time.”
The Scottish-born entertainer was made a household name in the UK for his television show The Two Ronnies, co-starring the late Ronnie Barker.
Corbett also featured alongside comedians John Cleese, David Frost and Ronnie Barker on the Frost Report in the 1960s.
The BBC’s director-general, Tony Hall, paid tribute to the late talent calling him a “man of great charm and warmth”.
“Ronnie Corbett was a wonderful comic and entertainer,” said Hall. “A man of great charm and warmth who brought laughter and joy to millions. He was quite simply one of the true greats of British comedy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Former British PM David Cameron also offered his public sympathies via Twitter and went on to say that “he’ll be remembered as one of the all time great comedians”.
