British actor and comedian Rik Mayall has died at age 56. He is best known for his roles on the TV shows The Young Ones and Bottom.
Mayall’s management confirmed the sad news to the U.K. Press Association. He died on Monday and the immediate cause of death was not available.
Back in 1998, Mayall survived a near-death experience after a quad-bike accident in Devon, notes The Telegraph. He was in a coma and doctors had considered shutting off life support. However, he suddenly woke up and went right back to work on U.K. television.
“The main difference between now and before my accident is I'm just very glad to be alive,” Mayall said in 2013, notes Sky News. “Other people get moody in their forties and fifties - men get the male menopause. I missed the whole thing. I was just really happy.”
Mayall began his career on the stage with his future Young Ones co-star Adrian Edmondson, who also appeared in Bottom. He also appeared on The Comic Strip Presents , The New Statesman and Blackadder. He can also be spotted in films, including An American Werewolf in London.
Mayall was married with three children.