Barry Cryer Dies: ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue’ Stalwart & Prolific Writer For Brit Comedians Was 86
Barry Cryer, the much loved British comedian and TV writer, has died at the age of 86.
Cryer was most known on UK shores for being a founding member and consistent panelist on long-running BBC Radio 4 surreal comedy show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, first appearing when it launched in April 1972 (and briefly sharing hosting duties before Humphrey Lyttelton took that on full time), and last making a guest appearance in 2020.
More from Deadline
Peter Bart: A Chorus Of "I'm Done" Rings Through Hollywood As Year 3 Of Pandemic Opens
Susan Tanamli Promoted To EVP, Head of Global Technology & Media Operations At A+E Networks
CBS Hires Gloria Medel Solomons As VP, Alternative & Specials
Outside of Radio, Cryer was a noted writer for comedians, with the wide roster of performers he penned material for including the Two Ronnies, Morecame and Wise, Spike Milligan, Richard Pryor, Bob Hope, Bruce Forsyth and Rory Bremner.
He also wrote episodes for TV comedy series Doctor In The House, and wrote and appeared in further TV work.
Cryer married his wife Theresa in 1962 and the pair had four children and seven grandchildren.
Tributes this morning for Cryer came from people including Giles Brandreth, Richard Herring, Stephen Fry, Mark Gatiss, David Baddiel, and Neil Gaiman:
RIP #BarryCryer. Here we are only a few weeks ago. Baz was just the loveliest guy: funny & generous. He’d worked with everybody & everybody he worked with liked him. I shall miss his happy company so much – & his regular phone calls: he gave you a gem of a joke with each one. pic.twitter.com/O8AgZyMYYt
— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) January 27, 2022
Losing Barry Cryer is like losing a member of the family. Utterly gutted that I’ve had my last birthday joke. He was one of my absolute comedy heroes and kept working right to the fucking end. A life well lived and a connection to every great comedian of the last 60 years. RIP
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) January 27, 2022
Barry Cryer was the real deal. An incredibly funny man who worked with – and wrote for – the giants of comedy. Yet he remained forever curious and delighted by whatever was fresh and original. Kind, encouraging, generous and a one off. Goodbye, Cheeky. ❤️
— Mark Gatiss 💙 (@Markgatiss) January 27, 2022
Such sad news, one of the absolute greats of British comedy, Barry Cryer, is no more. A glorious, gorgeous, hilarious and gifted writer and performer who straddled all the comic traditions. Universally beloved … farewell, Baz.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 27, 2022
Ah, Barry Cryer. Lived and breathed comedy. RIP.
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) January 27, 2022
I'm so so so sorry to hear this. I only worked with Barry Cryer once, on the @BBCRadio4 Anansi Boys – and he wasn't in the broadcast version, as he was unwell. But being in the room and watching him act and tell jokes was an utter joy. #RIPBarry https://t.co/gm574g1Yeq
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) January 27, 2022
Best of Deadline
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2021-22 Season
What's New On HBO Max For January 2022: Day-By-Day Listings For TV Shows & Movies
New On Prime Video For January 2022: Daily Listings For Streaming TV, Movies & More
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.