Jeremy Hardy, the comedian, radio personality and writer, has died of cancer at the age of 57, his publicist confirmed this morning.
Hardy featured regularly on BBC Radio 4‘s I’m Sorry I haven’t a Clue and The News Quiz and frequently wrote columns in the Guardian. With a career spanning thirty decades, he inspired and touched many in his field. Here, City News rounds up the industry’s reaction to the news:
Many spoke of their memories of Hardy on the radio:
Utterly heartbroken to have to say goodbye to Jeremy Hardy. He was so very kind and supportive of me, I’ve had so many laughs sat next to him on the News Quiz and even more in the pub afterwards. So much love and strength to his family. Night Jeremy, cheers for the laughs xxx
— Angela Barnes (@AngelaBarnes) February 1, 2019
Very sad about @JeremyJHardy – he was always welcoming and generous on News Quiz. And he coined the hilarious piss-take phrase describing the so-called media elite: 'The Illuminarty-farty', which makes me laugh every time I think of it. RIP #JeremyHardy and love to his family.
— Katy Brand (@KatyFBrand) February 1, 2019
Whilst others shared their more personal histories with him:
Jeremy Hardy was so special and brilliant and mischievous, a miracle of a person. I loved him a lot. He was so kind when my father died. My dad admired him enormously. It’s so sad.
— Victoria Coren M. (@VictoriaCoren) February 1, 2019
Jeremy Hardy was ground-breakingly brilliant, off the register funny, compassionate and caring. So privileged to have counted him as a dear friend. My love goes out Katie and Betty and all his wonderful family. x
— Jack Dee (@TheRealJackDee) February 1, 2019
I was very lucky to work with Jeremy Hardy early in my career. Every day was a masterclass, a privilege. He was so naturally and brilliantly funny, and a man who chose to use his comedy to change the world, rather than to fill stadia. A very sad day. #RIPJeremy
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) February 1, 2019
Jeremy Hardy has died. That’s started the day with a punch in the guts. Lovely bloke, very funny and a genuine force for good.
— Ed Byrne (@MrEdByrne) February 1, 2019
We will update with more as tributes continue.
Feature image by Andy Davidson via Flickr
