British actor Sam Kelly, best known for his roles in ‘Allo ‘Allo! and Porridge, has died after a long illness at the age of 70.
Until recently Kelly was playing the part of the Wizard in the West End production of Wicked, but was replaced earlier this year due to ill health.
He was admitted to a hospice on Friday 13 June and passed away peacefully the next morning.
Kelly’s agent, Lynda Ronan, said:
“Sam Kelly died peacefully this morning after a long illness bravely fought.
“He does not leave any family but a host of friends who were his chosen family. His death is a great loss to them and the profession.”
A number of stars have paid tribute to the star:
Desperately sad news that the wonderful Sam Kelly has left us. Such a funny, talented man and one of the good guys. RIP Bunny Warren
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) June 14, 2014
So sad about Sam Kelly. A wonderful, cheeky, playful, talented man. What is this divine vendetta against comedy actors at the moment?
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) June 14, 2014
Very saddened to hear about Sam Kelly’s death. He played a splendid Hitler in a comedy drama called Stalagluft I made with Nick Lyndhurst…
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) June 14, 2014
So sad about Sam Kelly. A wonderful, cheeky, playful, talented man. What is this divine vendetta against comedy actors at the moment?
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) June 14, 2014
Feel so depressed about the amazing Sam Kelly's passing how do we manage a second comic musical tonight?we dedicate it to him RIP
— Robert Lindsay (@RobertLindsay) June 14, 2014
