Comic actor and writer Mel Smith has died of a heart attack, aged 60, his agent has confirmed.
The British comedian - known for the sketch shows Alas Smith and Jones and Not The Nine O'Clock News - died at his home on Friday, Michael Foster said.
The British comedian - known for the sketch shows Alas Smith and Jones and Not The Nine O'Clock News - died at his home on Friday, Michael Foster said.
Smith formed a lasting partnership with co-performer Griff Rhys Jones with whom he set up the independent television company, Talkback Productions.
Rhys Jones described his friend of 35 years as a "brilliant actor".
In a statement on behalf of his wife, Pam, Mr Foster said: "Mel Smith, comedian and writer, died on Friday aged 60, from a heart attack at his home in north-west London."
An ambulance was called to Smith's home just after 09:00 BST where he was found to have died.
'A gentleman and a scholar'
Meanwhile, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to him.
"I still can't believe this has happened," said Rhys Jones.
"To everybody who ever met him, Mel was a force for life. He had a relish for it that seemed utterly inexhaustible."
He said the pair had never had an argument and "loved performing together", adding: "He inspired love and utter loyalty and he gave it in return. I will look back on the days working with him as some of the funniest times that I have ever spent."
He went on to describe Smith as a "gentleman and a scholar, a gambler and a wit".
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