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Last updated on the 1 June 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 7 March 1958, Harlow, Essex, England.Â
Rik Mayall, born Richard Michael Mayall was an English comedian, actor and writer who carved a unique niche in British entertainment. Born to drama teacher parents, Mayall’s theatrical roots ran deep. He made his acting debut at the age of seven in one of his father’s plays.
Education proved to be a turning point. While studying at Manchester University, Rik Mayall met Adrian Edmondson, a kindred spirit who shared his passion for offbeat humour. Their partnership blossomed into the legendary double act “Twentieth Century Coyote,” a cornerstone of the burgeoning alternative comedy scene in London. The duo honed their craft at iconic venues like The Comedy Store, their outrageous characters and physical comedy captivating audiences.
Mayall’s television debut arrived in 1980 with “Boom Boom… Out Go The Lights,” where audiences were introduced to a prototype of his most famous creation – Rick in “The Young Ones.” This anarchic sitcom, co-written by Mayall, redefined British comedy. Rick, the obnoxious, self-proclaimed anarchist sociology student, became a pop-culture phenomenon. Mayall’s manic energy, his willingness to push boundaries and his perfect comedic timing propelled him to national stardom.
The success of “The Young Ones” opened doors for Mayall. He co-starred with Edmondson in “Bottom,” a slapstick sitcom that showcased their chaotic chemistry. Mayall’s talent wasn’t restricted to comedy. He displayed surprising dramatic depth in “The New Statesman,” playing the ruthless politician Alan B’Stard, a role that earned him a BAFTA award.
Rik Mayall married Debbie Carter in 1985 and they had three children. Despite his public image as a boisterous comedian, Mayall was a devoted father and a surprisingly shy individual off-stage.
Tragedy struck in 1998 when a quad-bike accident left Mayall in a coma. His recovery was arduous, but Mayall’s indomitable spirit shone through. He returned to acting, albeit with limitations due to his injuries.
Rik Mayall’s legacy is undeniable. He was a pioneer of alternative comedy, a master of physical humour and a performer who dared to be different. His influence can be seen in countless comedians today and his characters continue to bring laughter to audiences worldwide. Though he passed away in 2014, Rik Mayall’s comedic genius remains a vibrant part of British entertainment history.
Suggested viewing
The Young Ones (1982)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.2
Four university students with wildly different personalities share a squalid house, their chaotic lives filled with surreal situations, slapstick antics and punk rock energy. Their bizarre landlord and even more bizarre situations make for a hilarious and unforgettable sitcom.
Top cast:Â Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, Christopher Ryan, Alexei Sayle, Stephen Frost, Ben Elton, Robbie Coltrane, Dawn French.
Kevin Turvey Investigates (1981)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2
A clueless and overly enthusiastic investigator tackles serious topics like love and death, but gets hilariously sidetracked by nonsensical tangents and quirky observations, leaving viewers wondering if he’s actually investigating anything at all.
Top cast: Rik Mayall.
The New Statesman (1987)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 7.8
A self-serving and morally bankrupt politician uses cunning and outlandish schemes to climb the greasy pole of British politics, leaving a trail of hilarious chaos and satirical commentary on government in his wake.
Top cast: Rik Mayall, Michael Troughton, Marsha Fitzalan, Terence Alexander, Rowena Cooper, John Nettleton.
More political comedy
   
Bottom (1991)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
Two unemployed layabouts with zero social graces share a squalid flat, their days filled with petty arguments, outrageous schemes to impress women (that inevitably fail) and slapstick violence that leaves them worse for wear, but somehow bonded by their dysfunctional friendship.
Top cast: Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Steven O’Donnell, Christopher Ryan, Lee Cornes, Rupert Bates, Helen Lederer.
Believe Nothing (2002)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5
A brilliant but bored philosopher abandons academia for a shadowy organisation that controls the world, only to find the all-powerful life filled with its own brand of chaos and eccentric characters, leaving him questioning if excitement is worth the loss of intellectual pursuits.
Top cast: Rik Mayall, Michael Maloney, Emily Bruni, Don Warrington, Mark Perry, Maureen Sweeney, Kenneth Cranham.
Filthy Rich & Catflap (1987)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1
A delusional has-been actor with delusions of grandeur believes himself a superstar and hires a drunken, disloyal bodyguard. Their chaotic attempts to traverse the entertainment industry lead to comedic mishaps and expose the absurdity of chasing fame.
Top cast: Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, Michael Redfern, Mel Smith, Barbara Windsor.
The Comic Strip Presents (1983)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 7.8
Each episode featured absurd parodies, from turning war films on their head to rewriting childhood classics with a hilariously dark twist. With its anarchic humour and unforgettable characters, the show became a cornerstone of alternative comedy.
Top cast: Peter Richardson, Adrian Edmondson, Jennifer Saunders, Nigel Planer, Dawn French, Rik Mayall, Robbie Coltrane, Keith Allen, Steven O’Donnell, Kevin Allen.
Grim Tales (1989)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.9
A pajama-clad Rik Mayall brings classic Grimm tales to life with a comedic twist. Expect silly antics and slapstick humour alongside familiar characters like Rapunzel and Cinderella, all retold for a younger audience.
Top cast: Rik Mayall.
