Five reasons we loved Rik Mayall

Rik Mayall was a brilliant comedian, actor and writer who left a lasting impression on British comedy and culture. Here are five reasons why we loved him:

He was a pioneer of alternative comedy in the 1980s, breaking the mould of mainstream humour with his anarchic, surreal and irreverent style. He co-created and starred in The Young Ones, a groundbreaking sitcom that captured the spirit of the punk era and influenced a generation of comedians
He had a great chemistry with his long-time comedy partner Ade Edmondson, whom he met at Manchester University. They formed a double act called 20th Century Coyote and later starred in The Comic Strip Presents, Filthy Rich & Catflap, and Bottom. Their slapstick comedy often involved fires, explosions, and hefty blows to the head with a frying pan.

He played memorable and hilarious characters, such as the pompous anarchist poet Rick in The Young Ones, the lecherous and loud-mouthed Lord Flashheart in Blackadder, the smooth and scheming Conservative politician Alan B’Stard in The New Statesman, and the imaginary friend Drop Dead Fred in the film of the same name. He could make you laugh with just a look, a gesture, or a catchphrase.

He was a force of nature, a golden youth, and a self-proclaimed show-off who loved performing and being the centre of attention. He had no self-doubt and only fake arrogance. He enjoyed being Rik Mayall enormously and hilariously. He once said: “I like millions and millions of people looking at ME. Just looking at ME.”

He touched many lives and always for the better. He was loved and admired by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. He inspired and influenced many comedians and actors who followed him. He made us laugh, cry, and think.

He was a legend of British comedy and a national treasure

#rikmayall #nationaltreasures #theyoungones #ukcomedy