Sean Lock – this was a real shock in the comedy world and way beyond. I have to be honest, as much as I loved Sean's work, I didn't realise quite how much impact his death would have on both myself and others. This eloquent tribute from Harry Hill says it better than I can.
Lynn Ruth Miller – not just a comedian, a true embodiment of the phrase "a character" and someone who lived life to the full. Lynn Ruth Miller was one of the oldest stand ups on the UK circuit, if not the oldest. She only started to do stand up in her seventies but quickly made an impression as an honest, candid storyteller.
Phil Butler - Butler, who died in October aged 51, was a versatile, experienced performer. As well as being a seasoned stand-up he was also a skilful stage magician and actor. He was one of the first comedians to visit the front line in Afghanistan and received an Afghan service medal for his work there. Comedian Richard Morton said of Butler: "Not only could he light up a stage, he could light up a dressing room with his larger-than-life presence and boundless enthusiasm for making everyone around him laugh."
Emma Emslie – December saw the death of one of the most respected people in the comedy club business. Emma and husband Ron ran their East Dulwich Comedy Club empire supporting up and coming comics and giving breaks to way more names than I can mention here – in fact I first saw Sean Lock at the East Dulwich Tavern in the mid-90s.
Jethro - just when you think there can't be another comic death Cornish comedy legend Jethro left us in December.
Lionel Blair - dancer, actor, host, all-round entertainer, died aged 92.
Mort Sahl - godfather of, modern satirical stand-up, Sahl died in October, aged 94.
Phil Jerrod - terrific bushy-beared stand-up Jerrod was loved by everyone who ever saw him – I last saw the Brighton comic supporting Romesh Ranganathan in Glasgow. Sometimes I don't arrive in time for the aupports – when I heard Jerrod was on I made sure I got there on time.
Jackie Mason - another comic legend, Mason came from another age but was still gigging over here and getting laughs and causing controversy well into his late eighties.
Tom O'Connor – The Liverpool comic was not just one of Stewart Lee's mum's favourites, he was a favourite of many comedy fans of a certain age.
Paul Ritter – a phenomenal actor whose work ranged from Friday Night Dinner to Chernobyl. Gone way too young at 54, who knows what heights he would have scaled had he lived a few more years?
Norm MacDonald – sublime Canadian stand-up, a real comedian's comedian who deserved to be an even bigger star than he was. Taken far too young at 61.
Betty White – and sadly, just as we sign off for the night we are getting reports that Golden Girls star Betty White has died aged 99 – White would have been 100 in January. As if 2021 didn't suck enough.
