Scottish comedian Gary Little has died at the age of 61.
The award-winning comic, hailed one of “Scotland’s finest comedians”, reportedly died during a climbing accident in Scotland. His cause of death has not been confirmed.
The Glee Club in Glasgow, where the comedian was due to perform on Friday (August 15), paid a heartfelt tribute to the comic. In a statement, they wrote: “Gary wasn’t just one of Scotland’s finest comedians, he was a true original.
“He had a huge heart, a razor sharp sense of humour, and a knack for making you feel like you’d known him forever. He could make an entire room feel like they were sitting with an old friend. He played our opening weekend, and was a permanent fixture at the venue ever since.”
(Image: Instagram/garylittlecomic)
Comedy club The Stand in Glasgow said in their tribute: “We here at The Stand are utterly devastated to hear the news of the passing of big Gary Little. An incredible comic, huge personality and friend to many.
“We are lost for words, and he will be profoundly and sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends right now. There will be many a comic thinking about him tonight, telling stories and raising a glass. He would have liked that.”
(Image: Instagram/garylittlecomic)
Comedian Kevin Bridges paid tribute to Gary, writing alongside a photo of him: “RIP big Gary, very sad news.” The Some laugh podcast also shared their sadness, writing: “We’re absolutely gutted to learn of the passing of the legend Gary Little.
“Gary was one of the best stand-ups Scotland has ever produced, an absolute powerhouse of a comedian as well as a genuinely lovely guy with a heart of gold.
“It was a pleasure to learn from someone like Gary as we were all coming up on the comedy scene, and his episode an appearance on our live show are up there with the all-time moments of the pod.”
Darren Connell, another Scotts comic, wrote: “Scottish comedy lost a legend today — heart-breaking news. Gary was an absolute powerhouse.
“He hosted my first ever gig when I was 18 years old, and after a shocker of a set, he took me aside and told me to keep my head down, work hard, and not let it get to me.”
Jo Caulfield said: “Gary Little was a great comic and an amazing person to spend time with. I will truly miss not seeing you backstage and never hearing that big mischievous laugh.”
Last year, Little created a four-part stand-up series for BBC Radio 4, titled Gary Little: At Large. It followed life “before, behind and beyond bars”.
Before he shot to fame in the noughties, Little had spent time in jail on a drug dealing charge. He was sent to prison again in 2007 for stealing books at a warehouse, making £100k from selling them on eBay.
The comedian’s stand-up material often addressed his time in jail as well as themes of addiction and mental health. He performed regularly at the Edinburgh Fringe and at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and was due to tour with fellow comedian Raymond Mears later this year.
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