Actor Stephan Kreiss, best known to many comedy fans for his work with Spymonkey, has died.
Spymonkey tweeted: "Our dear friend, longstanding collaborator and irrepressible clown genius Stephan Kreiss has been taken from us. He passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday 16th August, following a short illness."
German performer Kreiss was a sophisticated veteran actor and a master of minutely observed laugh-out-loud clownish slapstick comedy, appearing in many productions by the ensemble over the years.
Among other roles he played Queequeg the cannibal harpooneer, in Spymonkey's version of Moby Dick. Other parts in the production were played by Toby Park, Petra Massey, Aitor Basauri. Directed by Jos Houben & Rob Thirtle.
He also appeared in the Cirque Du Soleil hit Zumanity.
After tributes poured in Petra Massey wrote on Facebook: "We are reading all your words and messages from around the globe. Please know that when we all speak together with Spymonkey and Stephans family between the tears and the laughter we are feeling the outpouring of love and support and your sentiments have touched us deeply. Stephan will never be forgotten. It's impossible goddamit."
William Burdett-Coutts added: "Sad passing of a genius of comedy. My love and thoughts to you all. Xox"
Stephan Choiniere wrote on Facebook: "A devastatingly funny man has left this mortal coil. Stephan Kreiss was an instrumental player in the quartet comedy troupe, Spymonkey. They were hired at the outset of Cirque du Soleil’s adult show, Zumanity, where I shared the dressing room corner with Stephan, Toby, and Aitor. I had the distinct pleasure and honor to fill in on one of their numbers whenever Petra Massey was out. Stephan literally carried me onstage where a keystone cops style game ensued with Toby and Aitor in chase. Besides the joy of performing with Stephan, he was also a genuinely kind yet mischievous soul. I’m proud we share the same name. I hold memories of inappropriate laughter, fun, and a cherished camaraderie in our chapter at Zumanity."
Watch Stephan Kreiss in Moby Dick below
