The
comedy world has been paying tribute to Eddie Large, following his death at the age of 78.
Eddie – known as one half of comedy duo Little And Large – died on Thursday morning, after contracting coronavirus while beating treated for heart failure in hospital.
Since the news was confirmed by his family and agent, a number of his peers have been paying tribute, including Tommy Cannon, Michael Barrymore and Lenny Henry.Other key figures from the entertainment world have also been paying their respects, including more contemporary comedians like Jason Manford and Matt Lucas, as well as presenters Ant and Dec...Devastated to hear that my good friend Eddie Large has passed.. very heavy hearts at home today. Mine and Hazels hearts go out to Patsy and the family.— Tommy Cannon (@TheTommyCannon) April 2, 2020So sad to hear about the passing of Eddie Large. We had the pleasure of working with him and Sid a few years ago. He just loved making people laugh. He will be missed.Our thoughts are with his family at this time. X pic.twitter.com/cDpsn6j61N— antanddec (@antanddec) April 2, 2020Eddie Large. He was such a funny and talented man. I was his support act for many years and he was nothing but kind caring and supportive to the upstart at the bottom of the Bill. Me. My love and condolences to Patsy, Samantha his daughter and Ryan his son. XXX— Michael Barrymore (@MrBarrymore) April 2, 2020Eddie Large died. Midnight Matinee Great Yarmouth 1978. They finished part one. I’d never heard laughter like it. Rude, raucous and rollicking.Dunno how they did it, but Eddies energy and electricity and impressions and props and improv were hugely impressive. R.I.P.— Lenny Henry (@LennyHenry) April 2, 2020Eddie Large (along with his supersonic friend Syd) was really lovely and kind and encouraging to me when I was a nipper on Shooting Stars. So sad to hear of his passing.— realmattlucas (@RealMattLucas) April 2, 2020So sorry to hear about Eddie Large passing away. Came to every comedy and musical show I did whenever I hit Bristol and was always around for a chat about comedy and Man City afterwards. Such a gentle, funny man. RIP Eddie— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) April 2, 2020Just heard the sad news that Eddie Large has passed away.He was a lovely man who I did one or two TV shows with a while ago.Thanks for all the laughs Eddie R.I.P.— Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) April 2, 2020Sorry to hear the comedian Eddie Large has died. What a great chap he was. A real pro. Rest in peace Eddie ❤️— Kate Robbins (@KateRobbins) April 2, 2020Dear Eddie Large - thank you for the laughter and joy. Deepest condolences to all your family and friends #RIP— Timmy Mallett (@TimmyMallett) April 2, 2020Just heard Eddie Large has passed away. Absolutely gutted. Such a lovely man. Love to Pattie and his family.— Iain Lee - www.twitch.tv/iainlee (@iainlee) April 2, 2020RIP the very talented Eddie Large. Such a funny and lovely man. Love goes out to his family at this time ❤️— Paul Chuckle (@PaulChuckle2) April 2, 2020With a heavy heart I have just found out, (through his son Ryan), that his father Eddie Large has passed away, I worked many times with him and his partner Sid, they were not only a great act, but such fun to be with! Our thoughts and prayers goes to Patsy and Ryan and family xx pic.twitter.com/pRo2Or29YQ— Jimmy
Cricket (@jimmy__cricket) April 2, 2020Sad to hear Eddie Large has died. One of the great 80s double-acts, no mean impressionist, and a lovely, funny man too. *steps back in amazement*— Rory Bremner (@rorybremner) April 2, 2020RIP Eddie Large of Little & Large we spent loads of quality time together including pantomimes and TV appearancesFunny funny man & great to work with pic.twitter.com/rkT7XNUmJO— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) April 2, 2020We are devistated at the news that our wonder friend Eddie Large has died from the virus. Our love and best wishes go to his beautiful wife Patsey and his family @samkane1968 😇💋❤️ pic.twitter.com/pjTK5BqYY7— Linda Lusardi (@lusardiofficial) April 2, 2020BREAKING: Comedian Eddie Large has died from coronavirus, his family confirm. He had underlying heart problems. What sad news - he & Syd Little were one of Britain's most beloved comedy duos. RIP. pic.twitter.com/7AqpVj2997— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 2, 2020R.I.P Eddie Large. Comedy legend!— Boy George (Boomer) (@BoyGeorge) April 2, 2020I remember watching this and thinking that the patience Eddie Large displayed in the face of this said a lot of good about the man. #EddieLargehttps://t.co/E3ffmCWamV— Danny Wallace 🇪🇺 (@dannywallace) April 2, 2020Poor Eddie Large :-( A constant feature on telly in my life. Love to his family. xx— Stephen McGann (@StephenMcGann) April 2, 2020In addition, the official
Twitter page of
Manchester City football club – who Eddie was a lifelong supporter of – posted their own touching tribute.
They wrote: “Everyone at Manchester City is sad to hear that lifelong City fan and celebrity Eddie Large has passed away aged 78.
“Our thoughts are with Eddie’s friends and family at this difficult time.”Everyone at Manchester City is sad to hear that lifelong City fan and celebrity Eddie Large has passed away aged 78. Our thoughts are with Eddie’s friends and family at this difficult time 💙 pic.twitter.com/QULhg8qudS— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 2, 2020Little And Large began their TV career in the early 1970s, first appearing on the variety talent search Opportunity Knocks, and later landed their own sketch series The Little And Large Show.
Their show ran for 11 series between 1978 and 1991, with the duo also appearing in the ITV impressions show Who Do You Do?, alongside a host of other
British stars.
In more recent years, Eddie appeared as himself on TV shows like Ant And Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Pointless Celebrities and All Star Mr & Mrs.
His final on-screen role was in 2010, appearing in an episode of the
BBC comedy series Dappers.