Victoria Wood has passed away from cancer at the age of 62.
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Her older brother spoke of the shock of her death, saying it “has robbed us of one of the brightest talents of our generation”.
Sky News reports that Wood toured the United Kingdom for many years with her stand-up show, during which she showcased her famous talent for impressions, witty social observation, and for composing and performing comical songs.
The British singer, writer, actress and comedian’s fame was derived from her sketch comedy contributions to the TV series Dinnerladies, United Press International reports.
She also wrote and starred in Dinnerladies, which ran for two years from 1988.
Sir Lenny Henry said: “I am devastated – this is very, very sad news”.
His sister was always generous with her time for her fans, stopping after shows to speak to them. “A killer standup and a fantastic songwriter”.
And staff at Bury Grammar School Girls – where she attended in her younger years – are among those offering their condolences.
“Ghostbusters” director Paul Feig praised Victoria as a “brilliantly amusing woman”, as he wrote on Twitter: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Victoria Wood. Unique and truly brilliant”. “RIP”, whilst illusionist Derren Brown said, ‘No!
Ricky Gervais added: “So innovative, amusing and down to earth. This has not been a good year”.
Tributes have been paid following the shock death of comedian Victoria Wood, after a short battle with cancer. “A true comedy icon”.
An the later, 2,000 people – not including those who had paid £5 to stand – turned out to see Victoria.
Comedy writer and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar praised Wood’s legacy: “I think Victoria Wood changed a fundamental attitude towards women and comedy in this country, as performer and writer”.
Sharing a Manchester background with Wood, Morrissey was so besotted with the comedian that he proposed to her through an interview with the press. “She just held us all enchanted for a whole evening”, Rantzen recalled. 62 is far too young.
They went on to collaborate frequently on a professional basis, most recently appearing together in December 2009 in Victoria Wood’s Mid Life Christmas.
“She kept that very much within her immediate family”.
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Described by Prime Minister David Cameron as “a national treasure”, Wood is said to have spent her final hours cracking jokes with her children Grace, 27, and Harry, 23.
