Comedy legend Rik Mayall has passed away at the age of 56.
We’re still waiting on the cause of death but whilst we wait, let’s take a look at some of his best moments.
It’s presumptuous to assume we’d know what he’d want, but it seems the best way to salute a lifetime of comedy is to pass on some of the laughter that he gave to a whole generation.
1982, the birth of The Young Ones
Nearly ten years before I was born, The Young Ones made its way onto our television sets.
It was a show centered around 4 students that paved the way for many sitcoms to follow. It was wacky, surreal, political and downright hilarious. Check out this clip from the episode Party where Rik Mayall wears possibly the funkiest dungarees in all of existence.
1983, Blackadder (Woof!)
Blackadder has had no shortage of funny stars, from show runner Rowan Atkinson to regular Hugh Laurie and one offs like (you guessed it) Rik Mayall. Rik Mayall’s character Lord Flasheart proved in the first instance (Blackadder II) that he can seriously rock a perm and in the second instance (Blackadder Goes Forth) that a moustache can make any man look like a closet porn star.
Check out this side-splitting clip from my personal favorite season!
1987, The New Statesman
Long before David Cameron made it cool (or not), Rik Mayall was playing the power hungry, selfish, up his own arse tory Alan B’Stard. The New Statesman was the comedic response to the Tory rule of the 1980s and frankly, I’m waiting for our decade’s version.
The New Statesman was one of Mayall’s longest running enterprises and probably his most politically charged. Check out this scene… I can’t be the only hot blooded female who gets a little excited at Rik Mayall brandishing a whip.
1991, Drop Dead Fred
This is arguably Rik Mayall’s most famous film role. He charmed over his audience with lovable, goofy, imaginary friend Drop Dead Fred who returns in adulthood. It’s impossible to watch this film without keying into your inner child on some level. He gives an undeniable sense of perspective on our adult worries and teaches us to view things with a child like eye.
This is probably one of my favorite scenes in film history… Mud Pies anyone?
1991, Bottom
Before Shameless, we had Bottom.
The comedy of two eccentric flatmates living life on the dole in a dingy little flat in Hammersmith. Once again, Mayall was paired up with comedy partner Adrian Edmondson of Young Ones fame. Bottom was slapstick, hilarious and one of the pinnacles in British comedy.
See how brutal Chess can get in one of Bottom‘s funniest scenes.
The age of children’s entertainment
As the 90s started to draw to a close and in the beginning of the noughties, Mayall made several appearances in children’s film and TV.
Notably, he provided his voice for Mr Toad in Wind in the Willows in 1995 alongside the likes of Michael Gambon and Alan Bennett. He shot footage as Peeves in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone although this was unfortunately cut from the final edit. He also provided voice work as King Arthur in King Arthur’s Disasters in 2005 and provided the voice of one character in Spongebob Squarepants.
It would appear even when only lending his voice, Rik Mayall produces work of the uttermost silliness. Check out this clip from King Arthur’s Disasters if you don’t believe me.
There is no doubting that the world of comedy and TV has lost a legend today. I, for one, am utterly thankful for the hours and hours of my life I have spent clutching my sides in laughter at the genius that was Rik Mayall.
Rest in Peace.
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