Comedian John Bird Dies, Aged 86

Comedian and satirical author John BirdAt the age 86.

He is best known for his sketches on Channel 4’s satirical program Bremner Bird And Fortune.

John was announced his death in a statement. It stated that he died peacefully at Pendean nursing facility and that the family funeral would follow by a celebration of his life.

Rory Bremner paid tribute to John by stating that he died Christmas Eve. Noting that his death was almost nine years following John Fortune’s death at the age of 74, Rory Bremner stated that his death “amazing” nearly nine years later.

He also called John “one of the greatest satirists” and wrote: “It’s ironic that one our greatest satirists was so adept at portraying selfsatisfied ministers. Civil servants. or high-ranking officials. He was so modest and self-effacing.”

John Bird was never content with himself. He felt that he should have done more, been more productive, and was always a little bit lazy. He had a late period of time like Brahms when ‘everything was empty and abstract.

“The truth is that he, his friend and collaborator John Fortune, and Peter Cook were pillars against the establishment.”

John Bird and John Fortune became household name with their comedy skits The Long Johns. In which the two played bumbling politicians, military figures and businessmen, they were known as John Fortune and John Bird.

They were nominated for four Baftas Awards, and they won the Television Award in 1997 for their performance.

Fortune, Baird, Bremner, and Bremner also collaborated in the BBC’s Now, One More Thing, The Rory Bremner show, and the Channel 4 series Rory Bremner.

John has also been seen in the fantasy comedy Jabberwocky, as well as the comedy shows Yes, Prim Minister, A Very Strange Practice, Chambers, One Foot In The Grave, Jonathan Creek, Inspector Morse, Midsomer Murders, and the detective show Jonathan Creek.

His wife, Libby (a concert pianist), and his two sons Dan and Josh are his survivors.