Ronnie Corbett tribute: "one of the nation's best loved entertainers"

Ronnie Corbett tribute: “one of the nation’s best loved entertainers”

RONNIE Corbett, invariably known as a comedy icon, has passed away aged 85.

His publicist said the legendary comedian had “passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family”.

Born Ronald Balfour Corbett in 1930, he is perhaps best remembered for his prolonged association alongside comedian Ronnie Barker.

The pair first worked together on The Frost Report in the late 1960s before developing their own show.

The Two Ronnies became one of the most popular television series of the 1970s and 1980s, and established them as two of the nation’s most admired performers.

His comedy partner, Ronnie Barker, died of heart failure in 2005.

Corbett most recently appeared on the BBC Radio 4 show When The Dog Dies, which saw him reunited with the writers of his hit television sitcom Sorry!

In 2013, it was revealed that Ronnie would be retiring from showbiz at the age of 83.

He has since spent his time between his houses in London and East Lothian, close to his birthplace of Edinburgh.

What I liked most about the veteran entertainer was that he was always so modest and humbling. Referring to his iconic status, he said: “I do find the ‘national treasure’ thing very touching. Actually, it brings a tear to my eye when people call me that.”

Ronnie was renowned for his inexhaustible chivalry and his timeless sketches. He truly was such a gift.

Tony Hall, the director-general of the BBC, referred to the late comedian as a “man of great charm and warmth”.

He was heavily influential in the stand-up and entertainment communities.

Kirsty Fairclough-Isaacs, from the University of Salford’s School of Arts and Media, said: “Ronnie Corbett was a huge figure in the entertainment industry and played an incredibly significant role in an important era of British television.

“But while to many people he represented a genre of TV that is no longer with us, he was also a huge influence on a younger generation of comedians, particularly Peter Kay who studied here at the University of Salford.”

Ronnie Corbett was recognised for his catchphrase “It’s good night from me”, and it is time to finally say good night back.

Twitter has been full of tributes to Corbett and here are some of the best:

Ronnie Corbett had the rare talent of making all generations laugh. He'll be remembered as one of the all time great comedians.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 31, 2016

2016 has taken another legend. Ronnie Corbett you'll be missed ?? xxx

— Andy Brown (@AndyBrownMusic) March 31, 2016

RIP Ronnie Corbett, what a brilliant and funny man he was.

— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) March 31, 2016

And it's goodnight from him. Another legend gone. Rest in peace. — TV Entertainer Ronnie Corbett Dies Aged 85 https://t.co/l9c86L9LTT

— Simon Delaney (@SimonDelaneyEsq) March 31, 2016

Sad news about Ronnie Corbett, very funny man R.I.P

— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) March 31, 2016

Goodbye my friend and comedy idol #RonnieCorbett Thank you for all the laughs. It was the greatest honour to know and work with you.

— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) March 31, 2016