Rik Mayall, best known for his participation in "Bottom" and "The Young Ones", died at 56 in London home. He was also part of other TV programs, such as "The New Statesman" as the conniving MP Alan B'Stard, and in "The Comic Strip Presents and Blackladder" as the Squadron Commander Lord Flasheart. On the big screen, he was part of the "Drop Dead Fred" cast.
His latest TV appearances were at "Man Down" where he played the role of a father of a depressed teacher after being dumped by his girlfriend.
His health started to deteriorate after his quad bike accident in 1998. The accident left him in a coma for a few days. He recovered and was back to work after enough rest, until recently. Mayall has stated that his doctors kept him alive only through a life-support machine for five days and were about to shut everything down when he suddenly showed signs of life.
Mayall's wife and three children supported him through everything, even before he found fame in playing the role of Rick in "The Young Ones", a show that ran from 1982 to 1984 in two six-part series. This TV program showcased anarchic, offbeat humor and it facilitated the entry of alternative comedy to the tube in the 1980s.
David Williams, in his tribute for Mayall, said, "I am heartbroken that my comedy idol growing up, Rik Mayall, has died. He made me want to be a comedian."
Mayall's impressionist buddy, Rory Bremner, said, "Oh no. Awful news about Rik Mayall - a fireball of creative comic energy and inspiration. Such brilliant and raw talent."
Only last year, Mayall shared, "The main difference between now and before my accident is I'm just very glad to be alive." He added with a humor-filled tone, "Other people get moody in their forties and fifties - men get the male menopause. I missed the whole thing. I was just really happy."
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