Rik Mayall, star of The Young Ones, Bottom and Blackadder, has died at the age of 56.
Best known for his anarchic humour and over-the-top delivery, Mayall has appeared in and wrote a number of influential comedies during his career, which began in 1980.
Born in Harlow, Essex in 1958, Mayall met his future comedy partner Ade Edmondson at the Victoria University of Manchester in 1976 while studying drama. He became a household name after appearing in shows including The Young Ones, Blackadder, Filthy Rich and Catflap and The Comic Strip Presents.
Here we take a look back at 12 of his best loved roles.
Dan's Dad, Man Down
Mayall appeared as the dad of Greg Davies' character Dan in the 2013 Channel 4 series Man Down, despite only being 10 years older than Davies.
The Comic Strip Presents...
Labelled as a beacon of alternative comedy, Mayall was one of The Comic Strip's core members, which ran from 1983 to 2012, and appeared alongside Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French, Nigel Planer, Peter Richardson, Jennifer Saunders and Alexei Sayle.
Baxter, Churchill: The Hollywood Years
Mayall appeared as a military man in this 2004 satire about how Hollywood portrays history.
Richard T**t, Guest House Paradiso
Written by Mayall and Edmondson, this film was semi-officially based on their pairs comedy television series Bottom.
Toad, The Wind in the Willows
Mayall provided the voice for Mr Toad in this 1995 British animation of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale. Mayall even won an Emmy Award for Best Voice Acting for his role.
Ritchie, Bottom
Originally aired on BBC2 between 1991 and 1995, this comedy classic was written by Mayall and Edmondson, who starred in the series as two flatmates who live on the dole in Hammersmith, London.
Alan B'Stard, The New Statesman
This series proved to be a starring vehicle for Mayall. Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the show satirised the Conservative Government of the time. It aired between 1987-1992.
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The Sultan, Carry on Columbus
Mayall appeared as the Sultan of Turkey in the 31st and last film in the series of Carry On films.
Drop Dead Fred, Drop Dead Fred
Mayall starred in this 1991 comedy film as a happy, anarchic and mischievous imaginary friend of a young girl called Elizabeth.
Lord Flashheart, Blackadder
First appearing in Blackadder II in 1986 as Lord Flashheart, Mayall returned to the role playing a descendent of his original character in Blackadder Goes Forth
Richard Rich, Filthy, Rich and Catflap
Written by Ben Elton, Filthy Rich and Catflap reunited Mayall with former Young Ones stars Nigel Planer and Adrian Edmondson.
Rick, The Young Ones
Created by Ben Elton, Lise Mayer and Mayall, this anarchic comedy helped make the comedian a household name. The show, which ran for 12 episodes, also starred Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, Christopher Ryan and Alexei Sayle.
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