Mel Smith
Mel Smith has died at the age of 60.
The comedian's agent Michael Foster confirmed he suffered a fatal heart attack in his sleep yesterday (19.07.13).
Mel was known for his professional partnership with Griff Rhys Jones, and together the pair produced and starred in sketch show 'Not The Nine O'Clock News'.
The duo also set up their own company and talent agency - Talkback Productions - which created the likes of 'Smack The Pony', 'Da Ali G Show' and 'I'm Alan Partridge'.
Fellow comedian Stephen Fry joined friends and colleagues in paying tribute to the late star, who he described as a "kind, funny" man.
He tweeted: "Terrible news about my old friend Mel Smith, dead today from a heart attack. Mel lived a full life, but was kind, funny & wonderful to know."
Meanwhile, a spokesman from the London Ambulance Service commented: "We were called at 9.07 on Friday morning to an address in Grove End Road and sent two respondents but sadly the patient was dead at the scene."
Mel took part in 'Celebrity Mastermind' in 2009, and after his appearance it later emerged he had been suffering from severe pharyngitis, an inflammation of the throat.
Tagged in Stephen Fry