Lord Flashheart, ‘Drop Dead Fred,’ ‘The Young Ones’ Actor Rik Mayall Dies

FiILE - This is a May 31 2000 file photo of British comedian and actor Rik Mayall with his wife Barbara. Mayall, one of a generation of performers that injected post-punk energy into British comedy, has died. He was 56. Mayall’s management firm Brunskill Management said the comedian died early Monday June 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Peter Jordan/PA,File) UNITED KINGDOM OUT PHOTOGRAPH CAN NOT BE STORED OR USED FOR MORE THAN 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION

Rik Mayall, who acted in “Drop Dead Fred” and was Lord Flashheart in “Blackadder,” has died. Fans of the actor tweeted condolences for him on Monday.

Mayall was 56 years old when he died, the BBC reported.

Roger Davidson, of Brunskill Management, confirmed his death to the Telegraph: “It is a terrible shock. All we know at this stage is that Rik died at home.

“We are all deeply saddened by this news, from the enormous number of fans Rik had to those who worked with him and knew him as a man as well as a fine actor.

“He touched many lives, and always for the better.”

He’s possibly best known for playing poetry-writing anarchist Rick in “The Young Ones” but appeared in “Blackadder” and “The New Statesman.”

He died at his home in London. There was no cause of death stated for his death.

Mayall leaves behind a wife and three children, the BBC said.

“Blackadder” producer and writer John Lloyd said that the death is a “dreadful piece of news.”

“He was the most extraordinarily good actor as well as being an amazing stand-up comics. Apart from being great company, he was a great professional,” said Lloyd. Comedian David Walliams also remembered him, saying that “I am heartbroken that my comedy idol growing up Rik Mayall has died. He made me want to be a comedian.”

In 1998, he survived a quad bike accident near Devon, suffering a fractured skull. It left him with epilepsy and he was forced to take medication.

AP Update:

LONDON—Rik Mayall, one of a generation of performers that injected post-punk energy into British comedy, has died. He was 56.

Mayall’s management firm Brunskill Management said the comedian died early Monday.

Mayall was part of the Comic Strip, a group of alternative young ‘80s comics that included Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Mayall’s comedy partner, Adrian Edmondson.

He was best known for co-writing and performing in “The Young Ones,” a sitcom about slovenly students that was much loved by those it satirized.

He memorably played Conservative politician Alan B’stard in the sitcom “The New Statesman.”

He and Mayall also created and starred in slapstick comedy series “Bottom.”

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. In 1998 Mayall was in a coma for several days after a quad bike accident.