Bill Dare, one of the key producers on iconic satirical series Spitting Image, has died following an accident.
The TV star – the son of late playwright and actor Peter Jones – was also the creator of Dead Ringers and produced shows for radio as well as TV. His agent confirmed he had passed away on Monday – leading to tributes to those that had worked with him.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr Dare’s agent JFL Agency confirmed he died at the weekend. His spokesperson said: “We are shocked and greatly saddened to have to announce the death of our brilliant client Bill Dare, who died at the weekend following an accident overseas.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Lucy, daughter Rebecca, and with all of Bill’s family and friends who will be devastated by his loss. Bill was a truly legendary producer and writer, and his comedy instincts were second to none.” A raft of colleagues have paid tribute to the star following the news of his death.
Julia McKenzie, comedy commissioner for Radio 4, said: “I am so terribly sorry to hear this tragic news and my thoughts are with Bill’s wife, family and friends. Bill has been a huge part of Radio 4 comedy for decades, as a writer and producer, and listeners will have heard his legendary name at the end of many of their favourite shows.
“Bill was a comedy obsessive, and very instinctive about making the funniest choices when it came to writing, directing and editing. He cared so much about his work that in the production booth during Dead Ringers you’d see him crouched over the script, utterly focused on the show.
“He was funny and very dry in person, amusingly cynical when he needed to be and always pushed to keep the comedy he made, and particularly satire, spiky. I’ve known and worked with him for 18 years and like many I can’t believe he has gone, he will leave a big hole in the comedy world and in our hearts.”
Richard Morris, creative director of comedy and entertainment at BBC Studios Audio, said: “Bill was a legendary figure in the comedy world and we, his friends and colleagues in radio will miss him hugely. We’ll miss the sharp wit and wisdom he brought to every production he worked on.”
Bill worked on a wide range of comedy shows including The Mary Whitehouse Experience, The Now Show, The Late Edition, I’ve Never Seen Star Wars and The Secret World, and Brian Gulliver’s Travels. He also starred in his own Radio 4 sketch show, Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue which ran for five seasons.
The star also enjoyed some success in the world of music – which he broke into later in his life. He wrote his debut song at the age of 58 and went on to release his first single at the age of 61. His work was widely celebrated and he scooped awards including three Radio Academy Gold awards for best comedy.
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