Ronnie Golden, 'The Young Ones' and 'Spitting Image' Star, Dies at 78

Ronnie Golden, whose real name was Tony De Meur, a prominent figure in British comedy and music, has died at the age of 78.

Golden's partner, film producer Grace Carley, confirmed his death on Monday, stating that he passed away peacefully. "Without any fuss or bother, he simply slipped away yesterday afternoon while I was walking the dog," Carley said in a statement. "Never even fell off his perch, so to speak. I know it will be an enormous shock, as it was to me, but I am consoled by his complete lack of pain or suffering."

Known for his roles in the 1980s sitcom "The Young Ones" and the satirical puppet show "Spitting Image," Golden first gained recognition as the singer and guitarist for the new-wave band The Fabulous Poodles, formed in 1975.

Following the band's dissolution, De Meur embarked on a successful solo comedy career, performing on the alternative comedy circuit and as part of The Comic Strip, adopting the stage name Ronnie Golden.

In "The Young Ones," he appeared in the second episode of the series, playing a character depicted hanging upside-down from the ceiling as Buddy Holly, still in his parachute.

Colleagues and friends have shared tributes to Golden. Musical comic Steve Gribbin described him as a "comedy legend, very funny act, excellent musician and all-round good fella." Gribbin recalled Golden's "rare and incandescent passion" for music and his talent as a raconteur. Charmian Hughes, a comedy circuit star, remembered sharing many performance bills with Tony and called him a "true comedy friend."

Peter Grahame, who manages Downstairs At The Kings’ Head, expressed his sadness, stating, "This is still sinking in. I feel I have known Tony for ever."