Comedian Mel Smith dies aged 60 after suffering a heart attack at his home
- Not The Nine O'Clock News star had been ill for some time, friends say
- Long-term collaborator Griff Rhys Jones: 'We are all in a state of shock'
- Friend Peter Fincham described him as 'an extraordinary natural talent'
By Steve Robson
PUBLISHED: 13:38 GMT, 20 July 2013 | UPDATED: 16:18 GMT, 20 July 2013
The actor and comedian Mel Smith has died at the age of 60.
The star, who famously appeared in Not The Nine O'Clock News alongside Griff Rhys Jones, passed away at his home in north west London yesterday after suffering a heart attack, his agent Michael Foster confirmed.
One of the best-known faces in British comedy, Smith had endured health problems for some time.
Griff Rhys Jones, who was friends with Smith for more than 35 years, has lead tributes.
He told ITV News: 'I still can't believe this has happened. To everybody who ever met him, Mel was a force for life. He had a relish for it that seemed utterly inexhaustible.
'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.
'We probably enjoyed ourselves far too much, but we had a rollercoaster of a ride along the way. Terrific business. Fantastic fun, making shows. Huge parties and crazy times. And Mel was always ready to be supportive. Nobody could have been easier to work with.
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