Eddie Large death: Matt Lucas and Lenny Henry lead tributes to Little and Large star
Tributes have been pouring in for Eddie Large after the comedian died from coronavirus, aged 78.
The comic was best known for being part of the double act Little and Large. His son Ryan McGinnis announced the news of his death on Facebook, revealing that “he had been suffering with heart failure” in hospital before contracting the illness.
“It is with great sadness that Mum and I need to announce that my dad passed away in the early hours of this morning,” McGinnis said.
“He had been suffering with heart failure and unfortunately, whilst in hospital, contracted the coronavirus, which his heart was sadly not strong enough to fight.”
Matt Lucas led the tributes to Large on Twitter, writing: “Eddie Large (along with his supersonic friend Syd) was really lovely and kind and encouraging to me when I was a nipper on Shooting Stars. So sad to hear of his passing.”
Lenny Henry, meanwhile, remembered Large’s “energy and electricity”. He wrote: “Eddie Large died. Midnight Matinee Great Yarmouth 1978. They finished part one. I’d never heard laughter like it. Rude, raucous and rollicking. Dunno how they did it, but Eddie’s energy and electricity and impressions and props and improv were hugely impressive. R.I.P.”
Reece Shearsmith, Jason Manford, Piers Morgan, Kate Robbins, Michael Barrymore, Edgar Wright and Paul Chuckle were among others to remember the star on social media.
RIP Eddie Large. Here is Eddie’s *brilliant* Gotcha inflicted by Noel Edmonds and featuring @RebeccaFront (bettered only by the Lionel Blair one) https://t.co/vAuS9R90sR
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith)
So sorry to hear about Eddie Large passing away. Came to every comedy and musical show I did whenever I hit Bristol and was always around for a chat about comedy and Man City afterwards. Such a gentle, funny man. RIP Eddie
— Jason Manford (@JasonManford)
BREAKING: Comedian Eddie Large has died from coronavirus, his family confirm. He had underlying heart problems.
What sad news - he & Syd Little were one of Britain's most beloved comedy duos. RIP. pic.twitter.com/7AqpVj2997— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan)
Sorry to hear the comedian Eddie Large has died. What a great chap he was. A real pro. Rest in peace Eddie ❤️
— Kate Robbins (@KateRobbins)
Eddie Large. He was such a funny and talented man. I was his support act for many years and he was nothing but kind caring and supportive to the upstart at the bottom of the Bill. Me. My love and condolences to Patsy, Samantha his daughter and Ryan his son. XXX
— Michael Barrymore (@MrBarrymore)
In the 80’s my family were on the M5, overtaking a car with a massive Little & Large decal on the back. I was bemused a sticker even existed, then floored to see Eddie Large himself driving (with Syd in shotgun). I waved furiously. My 1st celebrity sighting & still the best. RIP.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright)
RIP the very talented Eddie Large. Such a funny and lovely man. Love goes out to his family at this time ❤️
— Paul Chuckle (@PaulChuckle2)
Devastated to hear that my good friend Eddie Large has passed.. very heavy hearts at home today. Mine and Hazels hearts go out to Patsy and the family.
— Tommy Cannon (@TheTommyCannon)
Sad to hear Eddie Large has died. One of the great 80s double-acts, no mean impressionist, and a lovely, funny man too. *steps back in amazement*
— Rory Bremner (@rorybremner)
Large was best known for his comedy partnership with Syd Little, who has not yet publicly responded to the news.
The pair rocketed to fame via talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971 and were given their own sketch series, The Little and Large Show, in 1978. It ultimately ran for 11 series, eventually ending in 1991.
After their show ended, Large fell out with Little, but the duo reconciled in their later years and appeared on a number of TV shows together, including Celebrity Pointless and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
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Little and Large comedian Eddie Little dies from coronavirus aged 78
