How did John Bird die? Legendary actor and comedian dies 'peacefully' at age of 86
MIDHURST, UNITED KINGDOM: John Bird, an actor, and legendary comedian has died at the age of 86, according to his representatives. A statement announcing Bird’s demise said he had died 'peacefully' at a Pendean care home in West Sussex. A family funeral will be followed by a celebration of his life in the new year, it added. Bird became known for his work with John Fortune and Rory Bremner in the Channel 4 satirical series 'Bremner, Bird, and Fortune,' performing witty sketches that mocked politicians and public figures. Bird's death comes almost nine years after his comedy partner John Fortune passed away.
After his sudden passing, Bird's co-star Rory paid a heartfelt tribute to the late comedian, saying, "Deeply saddened to hear that the great John Bird has left us. One of the most modest of men and most brilliant of satirists. And one of the last surviving pillars of the anti-establishment. If you do one thing today, watch one of his interview sketches with John Fortune and ask yourself if it’s ever been more beautifully done. I used to watch from the wings and marvel at how the two friends made it look so effortless, so blissfully funny, their skill and enjoyment at the moment making light of the seriously detailed research that went into each piece."
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Several others on social media also came out and expressed their sorrow, with one writing, "Oh that is sad, he really was brilliant." "What a wonderful and humble human - he always joined in with the local 'roving' neighbor dinners - always generously brought 6 bottles of wine but didn't touch a drop...will miss him walking around the lane RIP," another added. Someone wrote, "Such sad news. Was fortunate to be in the audience for a Bremner, Bird, and Fortune and it was an absolute privilege to see such talent close up. George Parr will be very sadly missed." "I was a teenager in the late 90s, and my weekend was always better when watching Bremner, Bird, and Fortune on Channel 4. Especially the two Johns in their George Parr interviews. You three made me love satirical comedy even more, even at such a young age. May John rests in peace," yet another user remarked.
Deeply saddened to hear that the great John Bird has left us. One of the most modest of men and most brilliant of satirists. And one of the last surviving pillars of the anti-establishment. 1/4
— Rory Bremner 💙🇺🇦 (@rorybremner) December 28, 2022
If you do one thing today, watch one of his interview sketches with John Fortune and ask yourself if it’s ever been more beautifully done. RIP George Parr. 💔2/4
— Rory Bremner 💙🇺🇦 (@rorybremner) December 28, 2022
I used to watch from the wings and marvel at how the two friends made it look so effortless, so blissfully funny, their skill and enjoyment in the moment making light of the seriously detailed research that went into each piece.
— Rory Bremner 💙🇺🇦 (@rorybremner) December 28, 2022
Meanwhile, according to BBC News, the trio were nominated for four Baftas and won the TV award for their performance in 1997. Additionally, Bird, Bremner, and Fortune also worked together on the Channel 4 series 'Rory Bremner, Who Else?' as well as the BBC programs 'Now Something Else' and 'The Rory Bremner Show.' Bird also made his appearance in the fantasy-comedy movie 'Jabberwocky,' the comedy show 'Yes, Prime Minister,' 'A Very Peculiar Practice,' 'Chambers,' and 'One Foot In The Grave,' as well as the detective series 'Jonathan Creek,' 'Inspector Morse,' and 'Midsomer Murders.'
Oh that is sad, he really was brilliant.
— Dr. Bendor Grosvenor 🇺🇦 (@arthistorynews) December 28, 2022
What a wonderful and humble human - he always joined in with the local 'roving' neighbour dinners - always generously brought 6 bottles of wine but didn't touch a drop...will miss him walking around the lane RIP
— julie (@juliejools27) December 28, 2022
Such sad news. Was fortunate to be in the audience for a Bremner, Bird and Fortune and it was an absolute privilege to see such talent close up. George Parr will be very sadly missed.
— Andy Powell (@MrAndyPowell) December 28, 2022
I was a teenager in the late 90s, and my weekend was always better when watching Bremner, Bird and Fortune on Channel 4. Especially the two Johns in their George Parr interviews. You three made me love satirical comedy even more, even at such a young age. My John rest in peace.
— John King (@JohnKingDerry1) December 28, 2022
