Comic actor and writer Mel Smith has died of a heart attack, aged 60, his agent has confirmed.
The British comedian - known for the sketch shows Alas Smith and Jones and Not The Nine O'Clock News - died at his home on Friday, Michael Foster said.
Smith formed a lasting partnership with co-performer Griff Rhys Jones with whom he set up the independent television company, Talkback Productions.
Rhys Jones described his friend of 35 years as a "brilliant actor".
In a statement on behalf of his wife, Pam, Mr Foster said: "Mel Smith, comedian and writer, died on Friday aged 60, from a heart attack at his home in north west London."
An ambulance was called to Smith's home just after 09:00 BST where he was found dead.
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[url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23390982]BBC News - Comedian Mel Smith dies of heart attack aged 60[/url]