Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Rik Mayall’s funeral will be a ‘private family’ event says his wife

The comedian’s funeral will take place later this week

Ella Alexander
Wednesday 18 June 2014 15:54 BST
Comments
(Rex Features)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rik Mayall’s funeral will take place on Thursday 19 June and will be a “private family” event.

The comedian’s widow, Barbara Robbin, asked fans for their “thoughts and prayers”.

“We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday June 19 if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayer at this time,” she said.

“Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength.”

Mayall died on 9 June, aged 56, following an “acute cardiac event” at his home in south-west London after a morning run. A post-mortem proved inconclusive.

In 1998, the Blackadder and The Young Ones actor was left in a coma for several days after a serious quad bike accident. He recovered, but was left with epilepsy – for which he took daily medication.

He is survived by his wife – whom he married in 1985 – and their three children, Rosie, Sid, Bonnie.

Fans took to Facebook to campaign for Mayall to have a state funeral. Over 1,500 signed the petition, which was addressed to David Cameron.

The Facebook page attracted 8,650 likes since its inception on 9 June.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in