| Sir Harry Secombe, British entertainer, dies 04/12/2001 Associated Press LONDON – Comedian Sir Harry Secombe, whose gift for the ridiculous made him one of Britain's best-loved entertainers, died Wednesday. He was 79.
Mr. Secombe, whose fine tenor voice and tireless good works were almost as famous as his Goon Show radio antics, died of cancer at a hospital in Guildford, southern England, his daughter Jenny Secombe said. His wife of 55 years, Myra, was at his side.
Prince Charles, a devoted fan since childhood, said he had spoken recently to Sir Harry in the hospital and was "deeply saddened," to hear of his death.
"He was one of the great life-enhancers of our age and gave pleasure and constant happy laughter to so many of us throughout his life, most particularly when he was part of never-to-be-forgotten Goon Show," the prince said. "He will be profoundly missed by all those people who appreciate wit and unmalicious humor."
Former Prime Minister John Major called Sir Harry "one of the loveliest of men and a comic genius who gave pleasure to millions."
The Goon Show, which BBC Radio first broadcast in 1949, lasted 11 years and holds a hallowed place in the history of British comedy. The show featured Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Michael Bentine and Mr. Secombe in skits so zany they approached the surreal.
In later years, the comedian presented ITV television's religious music show Highway, in which his fans could often hear him sing.
He was knighted in 1981 and retired from show business in 1999.
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