Tributes have been paid to comedy writer David Nobbs, best known for creating the television character Reginald Perrin, after his death aged 80.
Nobbs, from North Yorkshire, also contributed to The Two Ronnies, Ken Dodd, Tommy Cooper and Frankie Howerd as well as writing 20 novels.
He wrote the Reginald Perrin novels which were turned into a much-loved sitcom that originally ran between 1976 and 1979.
(British Humanist Association)
They starred Leonard Rossiter as a man constantly on the verge of a mid-life crisis but with a vivid imagination.
Tributes poured in from the world of comedy for Nobbs. Stephen Fry paid his respects on Twitter.
Oh no! David Nobbs has died. I liked him very very much. Such a brilliant comic writer and such a kind, wise man.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 9, 2015
John Cleese described the Perrin shows as his 'masterwork'.
Very sad today to hear of the death of David Nobbs.First worked with him on the Frost Report in 1966 ; then on many films for Video Arts
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) August 9, 2015
A lovely kind,gentle man with a delicious sense of humour.He wrote many top-class shows and books. His masterwork: the Reggie Perrin shows
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) August 9, 2015
I had not seen him for several years,but it is strange how much I miss him today.When I was a beginner,it thrilled me when I made him laugh
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) August 9, 2015
The Office creator Ricky Gervais, borrowed a catchphrase from Perrin’s tyrannical boss CJ for his tribute.
I didn't get where I am today by not knowing what a genius David Nobbs was. RIP
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 9, 2015
Little Britain star Matt Lucas wrote:
Reggie Perrin and A Bit Of A Do were masterpieces. David Nobbs leaves the world a richer place.
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) August 9, 2015
Nobbs is survived by his wife, Susan, four stepchildren, eight step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
He was patron of the British Humanist Association (BHA). He explained in an interview with the Observer in 2010 how the death of his mother in 1995 helped persuade him to join the BHA.
“The most important thing that happened to me in the wake of my mother’s death wasn’t the strengthening of my feelings against religion. It was the strengthening of my feelings for disbelief,” he said.
“I didn’t lose faith. I gained faith. Faith in people. I am proud to describe myself as a humanist.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nKPP2yDhl0&feature=oembed
Nobbs’ death will be commemorated with a humanist funeral.
