Rik Mayall

Rik Mayall - Comedians, Birthday and Childhood

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Rik Mayall's Personal Details

Rik Mayall was an English comedian, writer and actor

InformationDetail
BirthdayMarch 7, 1958
Died onJune 9, 2014
NationalityBritish
FamousFilm & Theater Personalities, Actors, Comedians
SpousesBarbara Robbin (m. 1985; his death 2014)
SiblingsAnthony Mayall, Kate Mayall, Libby Mayall
Known asRichard Michael Mayall
ChildrensBonnie Mayall, Rosie Mayall, Sidney Mayall
Universities
  • University of Manchester
Cause of death
  • Heart Attack
Birth PlaceHarlow, Essex, England
Height182
GenderMale
FatherJohn Mayall
MotherGillian Mayall
Sun SignPisces
Born inHarlow, Essex, England
Famous asComedian
Died at Age56

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Rik Mayall's photo

Who is Rik Mayall?

Rik Mayall was an English comedian, writer, and actor. Known as one of the first and most prominent alternative comedians in the UK, he was best recognized for performing with his comedy partner Ade Edmondson. Born to drama teachers, Mayall made his acting debut at the age of seven in one of his father’s stage plays. While attending Manchester University, he met his future partner Edmondson and the duo soon began performing together. Throughout his career, Mayall had also starred in several cult classic sitcoms, such as ‘The Young Ones,’ ‘The New Statesman,’ ‘Filthy Rich & Catflap.’ He appeared in a number of comedy movies as well, the popular ones being ‘Guest House Paradiso’ and ‘Drop Dead Fred.’ Mayall, whose comedic style was often referred to as energetic "post-punk," was a Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for his voice work in the flick ‘The Willows in Winter’. As a writer, he was known for his notable work in the 1989 film ‘The Young Ones’. In 2014, he breathed his last at the age of 56. The late entertainer is remembered today for his "truly brilliant" comedy and unique stage presence. His comedic and acting skills and approach to sitcoms have inspired an entire generation of comedy stars. For many young talents, Mayall is still the king of alternative comedy.

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Childhood & Early Life

Richard Michael “Rik” Mayall was born on March 7, 1958 in Harlow, Essex, England to John Mayall and Gillian, both of whom were drama teachers. He was raised alongside his elder brother, Anthony, and younger sisters, Kate and Libby.

At the age of three, he moved with his family to Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, where he performed in his parents’ stage plays.

Mayall studied at King's School, Worcester, and later went on to attend the University of Manchester to study drama. There he met his friend cum future comedy partner Ade Edmondson. At the university, he also met his future girlfriend, the writer Lise Mayer.

Career

Rik Mayall, along with Edmondson, initially performed at The Comedy Store in the early 1980s. Apart from performing in their double acts, Mayall also gave solo performances as a solo comedian, using characters such as an anarchist poet named Rick and Kevin Turvey.

He then went on to set up the comedy club ‘The Comic Strip’ along with fellow comedians Edmondson, Alexei Sayle, Peter Richardson, Nigel Planer, Pete Richens, Arnold Brown and French and Saunders.

Mayall began playing his character Kevin Turvey in the sketch show ‘A Kick Up the Eighties’ that was first broadcast in 1981. Soon after this, he appeared in the American dark comedy flick ‘Shock Treatment’. During this time, he also had a minor role in the horror movie ‘An American Werewolf in London’.

The comedian continued to perform with Edmondson, frequently appearing together as "The Dangerous Brothers". Soon the duo, along with their Comic Strip group mates, began appearing in short films under the name ‘The Comic Strip Presents’. The series debuted on 2 November 1982 and continued for many years, with Mayall playing a wide variety of roles.

Mayall went on to write and act in BBC’s sitcom ‘The Young Ones’ in 1982. In the sitcom, he maintained his double-act with Ade Edmondson. While Mayall played Rick, a sociology student, Edmondson appeared as the violent punk star Vyvyan. Following the success of the first series, the second one was premiered in 1984.

The English comedian appeared as a detective in Art of Noise’s music video of "Peter Gunn". He then returned to stand-up comedy with ‘Saturday Live’—the British version of the American show ‘Saturday Night Live.’ In 1985, he appeared in an episode of ‘Blackadder II’.

He joined Edmondson, Elton, and Planer to star as Richie Rich in the follow up to ‘The Young Ones,’ which was titled ‘Filthy Rich & Catflap’ in 1987. Mayall and the rest of ‘The Young Ones’ cast recorded the song "Living Doll" with Cliff Richard for a charity campaign.

In 1987, Rik Mayall began playing Alan Beresford B'Stard in the drama ‘The New Statesman’. The drama ran for four series and was successful. In 1989, he starred in a series of shows for ITV called ‘Grim Tales.’ He then went on to do numerous advertisements for Nintendo games and consoles.

He starred in the West End production of ‘Waiting for Godot’ that premiered at the Queen's Theatre in 1991. He, along with Edmondson, then went on to appear in the sitcom ‘Bottom’ later the same year. Following the program’s second series, the duo decided to make its stage-show version titled ‘Bottom: Live’.

In 1992, Mayall appeared in the film ‘Carry On Columbus’ with other alternative comedians. That year, he also did voice work for the screen adaption of the 1872 kid’s tale ‘The Princess and the Goblin.’

He next featured in the play ‘Cell Mates’. From 1999, he began voicing the character of Kehaar on the animated television show ‘Watership Down.’ Soon after this, he voiced all the characters in the video game ‘Hogs of War.’ In 2002, he played Professor Adonis Cnut in the sitcom ‘Believe Nothing’.

He then did voice work for BBC’s ‘Shoebox Zoo’ in 2004-05. At around the same time, the English actor starred in ITV’s series ‘All About George’.

In 2006, he reprised the role of Alan B'Stard in Marks and Gran’s play titled ‘The New Statesman 2006: Blair B'stard Project’. After this, he had a supporting role in the TV drama ‘Midsomer Murders’.

In April 2010, Mayall's England Football anthem titled "Noble England" was released by Motivation Records for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In September that year, an audio book, co-narrated by Mayall was also released.

In 2011, he appeared on ‘Let's Dance for Comic Relief.’ He next co-wrote and acted in ‘The Last Hurrah,’ a six-episode audio series. Soon after this, Mayall narrated numerous kids’ books on the Me Books app.

In October 2013, he appeared in Channel 4’s ‘Man Down’. His final television appearance was in the first episode of the 2nd series of ‘Crackanory’ in 2014.

Major Works

In 1993, Rik Mayall starred in ‘Rik Mayall Presents.’ The series featured six individual comedy dramas, namely ‘Micky Love,’ ‘Dancing Queen,’ ‘Briefest Encounter,’ ‘Dirty Old Town,’ ‘The Big One’ and ‘Clair de Lune.’ Mayall played various characters in the series and went on to earn the Best TV Comedy Actor at that year’s British Comedy Awards for his remarkable performances.

Personal Life

In 1985, Rik Mayall married make-up artist Barbara Robbin. The couple had met while filming ‘A Kick Up the Eighties’ and had entered into a secret relationship. At the time, Mayall already had a girlfriend named Lise Mayer. After discovering that Robbin was pregnant with their child, Mayall left Mayer. Mayall and Robbin went on to have three children: Rosie, Sidney, and Bonnie.

On 9 April 1998, the actor met with a serious bike accident. He was airlifted to Plymouth's Derriford Hospital after suffering skull injury. He was in a coma for several days but eventually came back to consciousness.

On 9 June 2014, Mayall died from a heart attack at his home in London. He had just returned home from jogging. He was 56 at the time of his death. His body was buried in his family ranch at East Allington, Devon.

In 2014, a 20-foot-high mural of Rik Mayall was built by street artist Gnasher at Mayall's birthplace in Harlow, Essex. The same year, a memorial bench for Mayall was installed on Hammersmith Broadway. The bench is situated at the junction of Hammersmith Bridge Road and Queen Caroline Street.

Trivia

This actor often played obnoxious and narcissistic characters; his comic performances were very manic!

Mayall was an avid video game lover. He was also a big comic book fan.

He was a self-identified feminist and was a huge supporter of LGBT rights.

He was referred to as "the arsehole of British comedy" by comedy legend Spike Milligan!

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Rik Mayall's awards

YearNameAward

Primetime Emmy Awards

1997Outstanding Voice-Over PerformanceThe Willows in Winter (1996)

Rik Mayall biography timelines

  • // 1872 To 1992
    In 1992, Mayall appeared in the film ‘Carry On Columbus’ with other alternative comedians. That year, he also did voice work for the screen adaption of the 1872 kid’s tale ‘The Princess and the Goblin.’
  • // 7th Mar 1958
    Richard Michael “Rik” Mayall was born on March 7, 1958 in Harlow, Essex, England to John Mayall and Gillian, both of whom were drama teachers. He was raised alongside his elder brother, Anthony, and younger sisters, Kate and Libby.
  • // 1981
    Mayall began playing his character Kevin Turvey in the sketch show ‘A Kick Up the Eighties’ that was first broadcast in 1981. Soon after this, he appeared in the American dark comedy flick ‘Shock Treatment’. During this time, he also had a minor role in the horror movie ‘An American Werewolf in London’.
  • // 1982 To 1984
    Mayall went on to write and act in BBC’s sitcom ‘The Young Ones’ in 1982. In the sitcom, he maintained his double-act with Ade Edmondson. While Mayall played Rick, a sociology student, Edmondson appeared as the violent punk star Vyvyan. Following the success of the first series, the second one was premiered in 1984.
  • // 2nd Nov 1982
    The comedian continued to perform with Edmondson, frequently appearing together as "The Dangerous Brothers". Soon the duo, along with their Comic Strip group mates, began appearing in short films under the name ‘The Comic Strip Presents’. The series debuted on 2 November 1982 and continued for many years, with Mayall playing a wide variety of roles.
  • // 1985
    The English comedian appeared as a detective in Art of Noise’s music video of "Peter Gunn". He then returned to stand-up comedy with ‘Saturday Live’—the British version of the American show ‘Saturday Night Live.’ In 1985, he appeared in an episode of ‘Blackadder II’.
  • // 1985
    In 1985, Rik Mayall married make-up artist Barbara Robbin. The couple had met while filming ‘A Kick Up the Eighties’ and had entered into a secret relationship. At the time, Mayall already had a girlfriend named Lise Mayer. After discovering that Robbin was pregnant with their child, Mayall left Mayer. Mayall and Robbin went on to have three children: Rosie, Sidney, and Bonnie.
  • // 1987
    He joined Edmondson, Elton, and Planer to star as Richie Rich in the follow up to ‘The Young Ones,’ which was titled ‘Filthy Rich & Catflap’ in 1987. Mayall and the rest of ‘The Young Ones’ cast recorded the song "Living Doll" with Cliff Richard for a charity campaign.
  • // 1987 To 1989
    In 1987, Rik Mayall began playing Alan Beresford B'Stard in the drama ‘The New Statesman’. The drama ran for four series and was successful. In 1989, he starred in a series of shows for ITV called ‘Grim Tales.’ He then went on to do numerous advertisements for Nintendo games and consoles.
  • // 1991
    He starred in the West End production of ‘Waiting for Godot’ that premiered at the Queen's Theatre in 1991. He, along with Edmondson, then went on to appear in the sitcom ‘Bottom’ later the same year. Following the program’s second series, the duo decided to make its stage-show version titled ‘Bottom: Live’.
  • // 1993
    In 1993, Rik Mayall starred in ‘Rik Mayall Presents.’ The series featured six individual comedy dramas, namely ‘Micky Love,’ ‘Dancing Queen,’ ‘Briefest Encounter,’ ‘Dirty Old Town,’ ‘The Big One’ and ‘Clair de Lune.’ Mayall played various characters in the series and went on to earn the Best TV Comedy Actor at that year’s British Comedy Awards for his remarkable performances.
  • // 9th Apr 1998
    On 9 April 1998, the actor met with a serious bike accident. He was airlifted to Plymouth's Derriford Hospital after suffering skull injury. He was in a coma for several days but eventually came back to consciousness.
  • // 1999 To 2002
    He next featured in the play ‘Cell Mates’. From 1999, he began voicing the character of Kehaar on the animated television show ‘Watership Down.’ Soon after this, he voiced all the characters in the video game ‘Hogs of War.’ In 2002, he played Professor Adonis Cnut in the sitcom ‘Believe Nothing’.
  • // 2004 To 2005
    He then did voice work for BBC’s ‘Shoebox Zoo’ in 2004-05. At around the same time, the English actor starred in ITV’s series ‘All About George’.
  • // 2006 To 2006
    In 2006, he reprised the role of Alan B'Stard in Marks and Gran’s play titled ‘The New Statesman 2006: Blair B'stard Project’. After this, he had a supporting role in the TV drama ‘Midsomer Murders’.
  • // Apr 2010
    In April 2010, Mayall's England Football anthem titled "Noble England" was released by Motivation Records for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In September that year, an audio book, co-narrated by Mayall was also released.
  • // 2011
    In 2011, he appeared on ‘Let's Dance for Comic Relief.’ He next co-wrote and acted in ‘The Last Hurrah,’ a six-episode audio series. Soon after this, Mayall narrated numerous kids’ books on the Me Books app.
  • // Oct 2013 To 2014
    In October 2013, he appeared in Channel 4’s ‘Man Down’. His final television appearance was in the first episode of the 2nd series of ‘Crackanory’ in 2014.
  • // 2014
    In 2014, a 20-foot-high mural of Rik Mayall was built by street artist Gnasher at Mayall's birthplace in Harlow, Essex. The same year, a memorial bench for Mayall was installed on Hammersmith Broadway. The bench is situated at the junction of Hammersmith Bridge Road and Queen Caroline Street.
  • // 9th Jun 2014
    On 9 June 2014, Mayall died from a heart attack at his home in London. He had just returned home from jogging. He was 56 at the time of his death. His body was buried in his family ranch at East Allington, Devon.

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Rik Mayall's FAQ

  • What is Rik Mayall birthday?

    Rik Mayall was born at 1958-03-07

  • When was Rik Mayall died?

    Rik Mayall was died at 2014-06-09

  • Where was Rik Mayall died?

    Rik Mayall was died in Barnes, London

  • Which age was Rik Mayall died?

    Rik Mayall was died at age 56

  • Where is Rik Mayall's birth place?

    Rik Mayall was born in Harlow, Essex, England

  • What is Rik Mayall nationalities?

    Rik Mayall's nationalities is British

  • Who is Rik Mayall spouses?

    Rik Mayall's spouses is Barbara Robbin (m. 1985; his death 2014)

  • Who is Rik Mayall siblings?

    Rik Mayall's siblings is Anthony Mayall, Kate Mayall, Libby Mayall

  • Who is Rik Mayall childrens?

    Rik Mayall's childrens is Bonnie Mayall, Rosie Mayall, Sidney Mayall

  • What was Rik Mayall universities?

    Rik Mayall studied at University of Manchester

  • What is Rik Mayall's cause of dead?

    Rik Mayall dead because of Heart Attack

  • How tall is Rik Mayall?

    Rik Mayall's height is 182

  • Who is Rik Mayall's father?

    Rik Mayall's father is John Mayall

  • Who is Rik Mayall's mother?

    Rik Mayall's mother is Gillian Mayall

  • What is Rik Mayall's sun sign?

    Rik Mayall is Pisces

  • How famous is Rik Mayall?

    Rik Mayall is famouse as Comedian