Tributes to Tim Brooke-Taylor

Statement from Tim Brooke-Taylor’s agent: “It is with great sadness that we announce Tim’s death early today from COVID-19. Joining Footlights in 1960 took him to providing a huge variety of splendid entertainment - television, radio, theatre, film, books, DVDs, CDs, quizzes, etc. - all of which he undertook with energy and a great sense of fun. We will remember him for so much but must just mention The Goodies and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. He had, of course, many fans whom he always treated cheerfully even after long and exhausting rehearsals and recordings. He was an exceptional client and a pleasure to represent. We’re grateful that we have so much of his work to view, read and listen to. In all the time with us and in all his showbiz work, he has been supported by Christine, his wife.”

Sioned Wiliam, Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Comedy, added: “Tim Brooke-Taylor had a long and distinguished career in comedy. He was charming, quick witted and a hugely skilful comic. He was much loved both by our listeners and by his colleagues, and he will be sorely missed by all at Radio 4.”

Graeme Garden said: “I am terribly saddened by the loss of a dear colleague and close friend of over 50 years. Tim and I met at Cambridge University in the early 1960s and have enjoyed working together almost constantly from that time onwards, on radio, stage, and TV. He was a funny, sociable, generous man who was a delight to work with. Audiences found him not only hilarious but also adorable. His loss at this dreadful time is particularly hard to bear, and my thoughts are with Christine, Ben, Edward and their families.”

Jack Dee said: “It has come as devastating news to hear that Tim has succumbed to this dreadful virus - especially when we all thought he was recovering. Tim was a delightful man and never anything but great company. It has always been one of the great joys of my career to work with someone who was part of the comedy landscape of my childhood. I can’t bear the thought of introducing I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue without being able to say: 'And on my right, Tim Brooke-Taylor…' Tim brought a unique quality to Clue. He was a proper team player, very generous as a performer, never egotistical and always more than delighted to set himself up as the butt of the joke. For me, his great comedy gift was playing the injured innocent and he did it with brilliance and a characteristic lightness of touch. It’s always heartbreaking to lose a loved one, but these times have created the cruelest of circumstances for that to happen in and my thoughts are with his wife Christine and all his family.”