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The Young Ones and Spitting Image star Ronnie Golden, real name Tony De Meur, has died aged 78.
The star, who was also a comedian and musician, died 'peacefully' when his film producer partner, Grace Carley, was out walking their dog.
She confirmed the news on Monday in a statement, saying: 'Without any fuss or bother, he simply slipped away yesterday afternoon while I was walking the dog.
'Never even fell off his perch, so to speak. I know it will be an enormous shock, as it was to me, but I am consoled by his complete lack of pain or suffering.'
Ronnie, or Tony as he was known to his friends and family, appeared in episode two of 80s sitcom The Young Ones alongside Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson.
His character was seen hanging upside-down from the ceiling as Buddy Holly, still in his parachute.
The Young Ones star Ronnie Golden has died aged 78 - his partner Grace Carley confirmed the news in a statement released on Monday (pictured in 2017)
He later featured in the iconic satirical TV show Spitting Image after rising to fame as a singer and guitarist new-wave group The Fabulous Poodles in 1975.
After the band split up, Tony enjoyed a successful comedy career.
He worked on the alternative comedy circuit, solo and as part of The Comic Strip and adopted the Ronnie Golden name.
Tony's partner Carley invited his friends and colleagues to share their memories.
Musical comic Steve Gribbin wrote: 'Such sad news about the death of comedy legend, very funny act, excellent musician and all-round good fella Tony De Meur aka Ronnie Golden.
'Every year I would see him at the Comedians' Christmas Party my eyes would always light up.
'He was such a brilliant raconteur and he loved his music with a rare and incandescent passion…. He was a very funny man, and a lovely human being. My heart goes out to Grace and all his family.’
British new wave group The Fabulous Poodles during a US tour, March 1979. Left to right: bassist Richie Robertson, lead singer/guitarist Tony de Meur, violinist Bobby Valentino and drummer Bryn Burrows
His character was seen hanging upside-down from the ceiling as Buddy Holly, still in his parachute in The Young Ones
Comedy circuit star Charmian Hughes wrote: ‘Tony has been in my performing world for as long as I’ve been doing it - but long before that I saw truly Fabulous Poodles at St Andrews university…
'[We] shared so many bills and a true comedy friend. His domestic bliss with you was beautiful to behold and our hearts and love go out to you.'
Peter Grahame, who runs Downstairs At The Kings’ Head in Crouch End, said: ‘This is still sinking in. I feel I have known Tony for ever.
'Our thoughts are with you, his friends and family. The Stannah Stairlift has a new passenger today and I bet Barry has a few gags about the afterlife ready.'
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