Simon Pegg, Matt Lucas, Alan Davies and more were among the online mourners giving their last respects to the late comic
Felix Dexter tragically passed away at the premature age of 52 on Friday, 18 October. The St. Kitts-born London comic was one of the first black comics to break into the mainstream of British comedy and his comic writing and acting earned him countless plaudits and awards during his life time. Following the annoucnemnt of his death, some of the comics who worked alongside him and who were influence by his comic style gave their respects to the late star.
Born in the Caribbean island nation of St Kitts in , Dexter developed myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, only a few months ago and sadly succumbed to the tragic illness this week. He first began flirting with success as a stand-up comic, but it wasn't until he appeared in The Real McCoy that he became a household name and tickled the funny bone of millions. He later went on to work as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and more recently appeared on television as part of the BBC sketch show Bellamy's People and the sitcom Citizen Khan. Some of his more famous roles also include the Fast Show and Absolutely Fabulous.
Comedian and QI panellist Alan Davis tweeted his shock at the passing, writing on his Twitter page, "Sad and shocked to hear about Felix Dexter passing away. So many gigs with him back in the olden days. Always a pleasure. RIP Felix."
Fellow comic Omid Djalili went on to describe the funnyman as "one of the very few who made me howl," whilst British-born The Walking Dead star David Morrissey, who worked with Dexter in the past, described him as a "funny, talented and generous man."
Felix Dexter, one of my first stable mates at @dawnsedgwickmgt. Very sad to hear news of his passing. Very funny man.
— Simon Pegg (@simonpegg) October 19, 2013
The World End star Simon Pegg and Little Britain's Matt Lucas also gave their respects to the fallen comic, and Dexter's one-time co-star Paul Whitehouse appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to give a heartfelt memorial of Felix. He described the comic as "a very modest, a very private man," adding, "it was an honour to be close to him... He stuck in people's minds, Felix. There's been such an outpouring of warmth and affection for him."
So sad to hear about Felix Dexter. A brilliant performer and on the few occasions I was lucky enough to meet him, a very nice man.
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) October 18, 2013
He has also been remembered by numerous members of the public, who recalled the positive impact his comedy had one their lives. If you have any enduring memories of Felix, let us know in the comments section below.
Simon Pegg (L) and Matt Lucas (R) were among the stars to send their respects to Felix
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