Comedian Andy Smart dies ‘unexpectedly’ aged 63: Funny man who performed with improv group The Comedy Store Players passes away – as Eddie Izzard leads tributes
- Comedy Store Players improv comic Andy Smart died last night at age of 63
Comedian Andy Smart has ‘unexpectedly’ died at the age of 63.
Until his death, the comic appeared most Sunday nights to perform improv with The Comedy Store Players at The Comedy Store club in Soho, London.
Mr Smart’s daughter Grace announced the tragic death of her father on social media this afternoon, writing: ‘I’m very sorry to let you all know that dad passed away unexpectedly last night.
‘He had so many friends and such a great life. Raise a glass for him.’
Tributes have already poured in for the comedian who performed with The Comedy Store Players, including from fellow comic Eddie Izzard.
Responding to Grace’s post on Twitter, Izzard wrote: ‘Very sorry to hear this Grace. Andy was a very funny man and a great improviser. His talent will be missed.’
Comedian Andy Smart (pictured) has ‘unexpectedly’ died at the age of 63
Fellow comic Eddie Izzard paid tribute to Mr Smart on Twitter this afternoon
Comedian and actor Rufus Hound paid homage to comedian Andy Smart on Twitter
Andy Smart’s daughter Grace informed his followers on Twitter this afternoon that her father passed away ‘unexpectedly’ last night
Andy Smart (second left) with comedians Steve Steen (left), founding Comedy Store Player Mike Myers (second right), Eddie Izzard (right)
Mr Smart pictured with his daughter Grace in April this year to celebrate her birthday
Fellow Comedy Store Player Josie Lawrence, who frequently appeared on the stage with Mr Smart said she was ‘utterly heartbroken’ by the news of his ‘shocking’ death.
She wrote: ‘Shocking news.Andy Smart has died. We the Comedy Store Players are utterly heartbroken. We cannot say how much we will miss him. He was a joy.
‘He laughed more than anyone we knew. He did so much crazy stuff but mostly he made our little world way more fun. We loved him so much.’
Comedian and actor Rufus Hound also paid homage to Mr Smart, saying he will be ‘drinking to him tonight’.
He wrote: ‘Absolutely heartbroken. There will be others that will speak of his talent, but simply one of the great MEN died.
‘A lust for revelry in all forms, there’s less light today. Will be drinking to him tonight. What a lad.’
Former Mock The Week presenter Dara Ó Briain, wrote: ‘That is such terrible news, I’m so sorry to hear that.
‘Condolences to Andy’s family and friends; he was such a force for joy, and will be sorely missed.’
Fellow Comedy Store Players cast members Kirsty Newton and Josie Lawrence paid respect to Mr Smart on social media this afternoon
Andy Smart during the improv session at the Auditorium Altitude Festival in Meribel, France, in March 2010
The Comedy Store Players celebrate their fifteenth birthday at the comedy store in October 2000. Pictured left to right: Paul Merton, Richard Vranch, Andy Smart and Josie Lawrence
Musician Kirsty Newman, who on Sunday played piano for a Comedy Store Players show that Mr Smart performed at and was due to perform with him again this August, also paid tribute to her colleague, saying she was ‘heartbroken’ by his death.
Ms Newman wrote: ‘So loved. So brilliant. So full of joy & nobody lived life more to the full.
‘He was on top form on Sunday & I can’t believe it. All my love to all his loved ones. Just heartbroken xxx’.
