Comedian John Bird died peacefully on Christmas Eve, almost nine years to the day since his comedy partner John Fortune passed away.
Rory Bremner, who was one member of the trio Bremner, Bird and Fortune, has paid tribute, calling him “one of the greatest satirists”.
A statement announcing Bird’s death said he died “peacefully” aged 86 at Pendean care home in West Sussex. A family funeral will be followed by a celebration of his life in the New Year.
Rory Bremner (C) on stage with Bird (L) and John Fortune (R)
Bird was best known for sketches performed alongside Fortune and Bremner, in Channel 4’s satirical show Bremner, Bird And Fortune.
Paying tribute on Twitter, Brenner wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that the great John Bird has left us. One of the most modest of men and most brilliant of satirists. And one of the last surviving pillars of the anti-establishment.”
Bird and Fortune’s well-known series of comedy skits known as The Long Johns, saw the men interview one another, taking on the roles of bumbling politicians, military figures and businessmen.
They were nominated for four Baftas and won the TV award for their performance in 1997.
In a longer statement, impressionist Bremner wrote: “It’s an irony that one of our greatest satirists, so brilliant at portraying ministers, civil servants or high-ranking officials who exuded self-satisfaction, was himself so modest and self-effacing.
“John Bird was, to the end, never pleased with himself, always feeling he should have done better, been less lazy, had a late period like Brahms, ‘where everything was spare and abstract’.
“The reality was that he and his friend and collaborator John Fortune, together with Peter Cook, were pillars of the anti-establishment.”
The Long Johns
Bremner said it was “striking” Bird had died on Christmas Eve “nine years, almost to the day” after Fortune, who died aged 74 on New Year’s Eve in 2013.
“Lord knows, satire has missed them this last decade and now that loss is permanent,” he added.
“John may not have felt he got his life right, but by God he got it written.”