British comedian and magician Phil Butler is being remembered following his sudden death.
The “Cromer Pier Show” host’s agency announced his death Tuesday on social media. He was 51.
“It is with huge sadness we have to announce the passing of our friend and client PHIL BUTLER,” tweeted Chris Davis Management. “Our thoughts are with his friends & family. The world is a poorer place without him.”
The tributes to Butler were led by fellow Brits, comedian Jason Manford and actor-singer Asa Elliott.
“Was so sorry to learn of the death of the always very funny & charming Phil Butler,” tweeted Manford. “Had many memorable gigs with him on the circuit. ... Thoughts are with his family.”
Elliott said he was “utterly devastated” at Butler’s death, calling him: “One of the funniest people I’ve ever had the privilege of calling my friend.”
“Rest in peace Phil. Another one of us gone too soon,” tweeted stand-up comic Shaparak Khorsandi. “For 20 years I’ve looked at the running order when I’ve got to a club and gone ‘oh fab! Phil Butler’s on’. Such a laugh on the road. ... A class act.”
In addition to recently hosting “Cromer Pier Show” — which bills itself as “the ultimate live theatre experience, an exciting new format and a Sensational Variety of Talent” — in North Norfolk, Butler performed around the world, according to his website.
The late comic, according to his site, was “the first comedian to perform on the front line in Afghanistan,” and had written with a slew of fellow comedians, including “America’s Got Talent” winner, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin.
