Rik Mayall has been laid to rest in a private funeral service attended by his family and friends.The ceremony was held in the picturesque village of Dittisham in Devon on Thursday, 10 days after the beloved British comedian passed away.
Adrian Edmondson (front right) helps carry the coffin of his friend Rik Mayall
Around 140 mourners, including Adrian Edmondson, his wife Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Ben Elton and Ruby Wax, gathered at St George's Church to say their final farewells.Following the ceremony, Adrian, Rik’s long-time friend and comedy partner, poignantly help carry the coffin of his friend to its final resting place.
Dawn French arrives for the funeral of Rik Mayall
Earlier this week, Dawn spoke of her sadness following the death of the comedy star. "I'm very sorry for his family's loss," she said during an appearance on BBC Breakfast. "We made like 45 films or something together but a lot of my favourite moments were at lunchtime with Rik being very irreverent and rude."He's the first of 'our gang' to die and so I'm certainly having a bit of a wake-up call. It just reminds me to live every moments properly – to properly inhabit my life as well as I can. "Rik's family had asked his fans for their "thoughts and prayers" ahead of his burial.
Rik Mayall died on 9 June
"Knowing the swell of love you are share with us we would like to let you, the fans, know that we will be having a private family funeral for Rik, as I am sure you will understand," Rik's wife Barbara said in a statement. "We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday, June 19 if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayers at this time. Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength."
Ruby Wax was among those mourning the late comedian Rik Mayall
Rik collapsed and died at home in southwest London after suffering what his widow described as an "acute cardiac event".His sudden death sent ripples through the entertainment industry, with co-stars, comedians and fans paying tribute to the 56-year-old.His long-time comedy partner Adrian Edmondson issued a particularly poignant statement. "There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing," said the actor, who starred with Rik in Bottom and The Young Ones.
Rik Mayall and wife Barbara pictured in 2004
"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 b*****d. "A memorial service for Rik – who had three children with make-up artist Barbara; Rosie, 28, Sidney, 26, and 19-year-old Bonnie – is expected to follow in September.