Influential British comedian Mel Smith dies

British comedian Mel Smith, who became a household name for a series of television sketch shows in the 1970s and 80s which colleagues said had inspired a generation of comics, has died of a heart attack, his agent said overnight (NZ time). Smith, who died yesterday (NZ time) aged 60, found fame starring in hugely popular shows Not The Nine O’clock News and Alas Smith and Jones and went on to direct the films Bean and The Tall Guy.

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Stephen Fry still sad but in a better place

Comedian Stephen Fry feels sad and lonely, but with the help of a psychiatrist and a “pharmaceutical regime” is keeping on top of the feelings that led him to attempt suicide last year. Writing on his website, Fry said he thought his mental health was now better than it had ever been, but he could still be forlorn, unhappy and lonely.

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