Friends and fans of comic actor Rik Mayall were shocked and saddened to learn of his death on Monday at the age of 56. According to his agent, the star of comedy shows The Young Ones and The New Statesman died in his London home.

Brunskill Management, who represented Mayall, released this statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rik Mayall who passed away this morning. We are devastated and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.”

The long career of, the Essex-born Mayall began when he met future comedy partner Adrian Edmondson when both were students at Manchester University. The duo dubbed themselves The Dangerous Brothers and went on to become one of the most popular comic acts of the 1980s. Mayall and Edmondson got their big break with the 1982 BBC sitcom The Young Ones, in which they hilariously played a pair of not-so-studious students. In 1985, Mayall gained more fame with his portrayal of a fictional power-mad member of the British Parliament in The New Statesman.

Mayall managed to cheat death and joke about it in 1998, when he took a fall off his quad bike and was almost crushed when the heavy cycle fell on top of him. The comic actor spent five days on a ventilator in a medically induced coma while doctors tried to repair his fractured skull.

In his usual fashion, Mayall had irreverent comments about the near-fatal accident. “I beat Jesus Christ,” he joked. “He was dead for three days at Easter. When I crashed it was the day before Good Friday, Crap Thursday, and I was technically dead until Easter Monday – that’s five days … beat him 5-3.”

Tributes from fellow comedians have been flowing in since the news became public. Former partner, Edmondson, recalled the good times the two had shared. “There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing.

“They were some of the most carefree, stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him. And now he’s died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard.”

Eric Idle, who is best known for the Monty Python series, stated: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Rik Mayall. Far too young. A very funny and talented man.”

Helen Lederer, who appeared with Mayall in The Young Ones, offered a heartfelt tribute. “Rik Mayall, I loved you. Gutted. The man who taught me not to crash laughs, has crashed. Real love to wife, children. Massive loss.”

Mayall wed, Scottish make-up artist, Barbara Robbin in 1985 and the couple had three children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.