The Young Ones was one of the UK comedies I would set the dial to watch. It was "appointment TV" when that actually meant something.  Four college kids living in a flat ( or a townhouse?) and the daily misadventures that would befall them. Three were outstanding in their unique character designs and one was supposed to be a cool playboy, who was at best mediocre. The show also gave the "Landlord", Alexei Sayle, a chance to do a stand up routine nearly every show.

Rik Mayall played "The People's Poet", Rick. He self fashioned himself as the spokesperson of his generation and was generally the target of Vyyvian's punishment (when Neal wasn't on the receiving end). Mayall was one of the creators of the series. He, like Vyyvian, the nihilist and Neal (neal), the failure of a folk hippie played their roles with a passion. They threw themselves into the series completely and with great success.

Mayall was a very creative writer and appeared on many shows both as a guest and a featured performer. He co starred in  an American feature called Drop Dead Fred (if I remember right), but I never saw the movie, so no comment there.

There is so far no cause of death listed, but Scotland Yard does not suspect mischief at the moment. he was 56 years old.

Posted by: topmaker at 05:25 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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