British comedian Eddie Large dies due to coronavirus
What's the story
Veteran British comedian Eddie Large, best known for his part in Little and Large passed away in England after contracting the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Eddie was 78 years old. The news was shared by Eddie's son, Ryan McGinnis, who said his father had been undergoing treatment for heart failure and contracted the virus at the hospital. May his soul rest in peace.
Details
Ryan broke the news in a Facebook post
In a Facebook post, Ryan announced his father's demise. He said Eddie was admitted to the hospital where he caught the virus, "which his heart was sadly not strong enough to fight." "Dad had fought bravely for so long," Ryan added. He said they were unable to visit him at the hospital due to the risk of the virus but spoke to Eddie every day.
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We will miss him terribly: Eddie's family
"We will miss him terribly and we are so proud of everything he achieved in his career with Syd (Eddie's comic partner) and know that he was much loved by the millions that watched them each week," Eddie's family said.
Health
Eddie suffered from heart and kidney problems for years
Born in the Scottish city of Glasgow and brought up in Manchester, Eddie had been suffering from heart and kidney-related complications for years. In 2003, he underwent a heart transplant. Later, the comic had a serious fall outside his home in Portishead. Eddie is survived by his wife, Patsy, and three children.
Work
Eddie found fame alongside Syd Little in 70s and 80s
Eddie, whose real name was Edward Hugh McGinnis, shot to fame alongside Syd Little (real name: Cyril Mead) in the 1970s and 80s, through their double act Little and Large. The duo initially performed in pubs in the north-west of England before appearing on talent show Opportunity Knocks. Later, their own series The Little and Large Telly show aired on the BBC network for 13 years.
Twitter Post
Raucous and rollicking: Fellow comic Lenny Henry mourns Eddie's demise
Eddie Large died. Midnight Matinee Great Yarmouth 1978. They finished part one. I’d never heard laughter like it. Rude, raucous and rollicking.Dunno how they did it, but Eddies energy and electricity and impressions and props and improv were hugely impressive. R.I.P.
— Lenny Henry (@LennyHenry) April 2, 2020
Twitter Post
'Such a funny and lovely man'
RIP the very talented Eddie Large. Such a funny and lovely man. Love goes out to his family at this time ❤️
— Paul Chuckle (@PaulChuckle2) April 2, 2020
Twitter Post
Our thoughts are with Eddie's family: Manchester City Club
Everyone at Manchester City is sad to hear that lifelong City fan and celebrity Eddie Large has passed away aged 78.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 2, 2020
Our thoughts are with Eddie’s friends and family at this difficult time 💙 pic.twitter.com/QULhg8qudS
Information
Other celebrities who died of the COVID-19
Eddie joins the unfortunate and expanding list of artists and celebrities who died of COVID-19. Other prominent personalities who lost their lives to the deadly virus include actor Mark Blum, playwright Terrence McNally, chef Floyd Cardoz, country music star Joe Diffie, and singer/songwriter Adam Schlesinger.