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Ronnie Corbett Dies Aged 85: Ricky Gervais Leads Celebs In Paying Tribute To The Comedy Legend

By Lawrence Arboleda
Published on: 00:45 PST, Mar 31, 2016

Ronnie Corbett, the legendary British comedian best known for his work on the Two Ronnies, died while surrounded by his family, the Guardian reports. Corbett was 85.

The comedy legend’s publicist announced his death Thursday morning, leaving an official statement.

“Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family.

“They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time.”

Ronnie was most popular for being one-half of the Two Ronnies alongside Ronnie Barker, who died in 2005. Corbett first made his mark in show business for his work on the satirical program Frost Report in the 1960s. He also worked on numerous television shows, including Sorry! and the game show Small Talk.

Ronnie was a prominent celebrity in British television for more than 50 years and is best remembered as the Master of Monologue on account of his long and rambling monologues that always end with hilarious punchlines. He usually delivered his monologues while sitting in an armchair with his legs dangling in the air. Before he gets to the punchline, Ronnie will have sent his narrative in many different directions, which somehow only adds to the comedic effect.

The 85-year-old comedian struggled with illnesses for the last few years. In 2012, he collapsed at the dinner table during an event that celebrates his CBE, and in 2014, he was sent to the hospital due to gallbladder problems, although he recovered before long.

The two Ronnies are recognized by many as one of the funniest duos in British television. As a comedian, Ronnie had amazing range; he can do stand-up comedy and act in sitcoms with stunning efficacy. Throughout his long career, he had been a regular staple in British television, and there’s no question that his extensive list of great performances will be remembered for a long time.

Corbett was born in Edinburgh in December 1930. Educated at the James Gillespie School and the Royal High School, he developed a knack for performing even at an early age. At age 15, Ronnie became a pantomime actor playing in the Wicked Aunt at his local church youth club in Edinburgh.

In 1970, Corbett and his partner Ronnie Barker had the biggest break of their careers when a technical fault occurred at the BAFTA awards they were hosting. After the mishap, Corbett and Barker had to fill in the minutes with their ad-libs. Those unscripted minutes became the highlight of the night, which caught the attention of BBC executives, who immediately signed them up. The Two Ronnies was launched on television before long.

Not long after Ronnie’s death was announced, tributes started to pour in, with some of them coming from celebrities who became close friends with the comedian.

Ricky Gervais of The Office took to Twitter to pay his respects, writing, “RIP the lovely, funny legend Ronnie Corbett. It was an absolute honour & joy to have known him.”

This Morning star Ruth Langsford paid tribute while on the program, saying: “Obviously one half of the two Ronnies, him and Ronnie barker – that’s the end of an era, isn’t it? Obviously our thoughts are with his family. We’re so, so sorry to hear that.”

Tony Hall, BBC’s director-general, said, “Ronnie Corbett was a wonderful comic and entertainer. 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.”

Ronnie Corbett is survived by his wife, Anne Hart, and their two daughters, actresses Emma and Sophie Corbett. Ronnie and Anne celebrated their golden anniversary last year.

[Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images]

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