'Drop Dead Fred' Star and British Comedian Rik Mayall Dies at 56

If you're a child of the 90s, then you're probably familiar with Rik Mayall. However, you may not know the British comedian by name because he's usually referred to by the title of his most famous entry into American cinema, Drop Dead Fred. The comedian brought to life the wacky titular imaginary friend in the 1991 comedy that starred Phoebe Cates, and was a staple of many a childhood. Sadly, ABC News reports that the comedy star died suddenly today at his London home at age 56. Mayall wasn't sick and mysteriously died, his family unaware of what happened to him, but there isn't any foul play suspected now. Read on!

While Mayall may only be known for Drop Dead Fred in the US, he was a much bigger name in the United Kingdom. He starred on the British sitcomi "The Young Ones" and also starred in other series from across the pond like "The New Statesman," the classic "Blackadder," and his own "Bottom," a slapstick comedy series. He also starred in some British films too like Guest House Paradiso in 1999. More recently, Mayall could be seen in the UK on series like "The Comic Strip Presents" and "Man Down." This is a surprising tragedy, and our thoughts go out to his friends and family. Rest in peace.

1 Guest on Jun 9, 2014

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