David Nobbs, the creator of The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, has died at the age of 80, it was announced on Sunday.
Nobbs, who was best known as a comedy writer, was also a longstanding patron of the British Humanist Association, which, along with his agent, confirmed he had died.
In a statement, the BHA said it was deeply saddened to hear of his death.
“David Nobbs was a very special talent and we were all honoured to have worked with him over his years as a patron of the BHA,” said its chief executive, Andrew Copson.
He added: “David’s writing was always funny, sharp, and acutely aware of what made people tick. David was a passionate individualist – he believed that meaning was something we were all charged with creating in our own lives – and he was a creator of memorable characters.
“At the same time, he wrote beautiful stories which captured the essence of the human experience, tapping into the emotions and experiences we all share. His books and scripts got to the heart of what it is that makes us human.”
Nobbs wrote the Reginald Perrin novels about a man struggling with the mundanity and apparent insignificance of his own life. They were adapted into a television series starring Leonard Rossiter and a remake with Martin Clunes in the lead role.
He also worked on That Was The Week That Was, hosted by David Frost, as well as writing 20 novels and contributing to the Frost Report and the Two Ronnies. He also provided material for comedians including Les Dawson, Ken Dodd, Tommy Cooper, Frankie Howerd and Dick Emery.
Several public figures, including comedians, actors and writers, paid tribute to him.
I didn't get where I am today by not knowing what a genius David Nobbs was. RIP
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 9, 2015
Very sad to hear of the death of inspirational David Nobbs, who I had quite a few laughs with. A comic genius and an excellent human being.
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) August 9, 2015
David Nobbs was a genius of English comedy. That is an astonishing loss. Very sad news indeed.
— Chris Addison (@mrchrisaddison) August 9, 2015
Very sad today to hear of the death of David Nobbs.First worked with him on the Frost Report in 1966 ; then on many films for Video Arts
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) August 9, 2015
Reggie Perrin and A Bit Of A Do were masterpieces. David Nobbs leaves the world a richer place.
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) August 9, 2015
Ann Evans, Nobbs’s agent for many years, said he was “wonderful, one of the funniest men I have ever known”.
She added: “We were great admirers, we loved him. David was one of the leading comedy writers of his generation.”
Nobbs is survived by his wife, Susan, four stepchildren, eight step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. He explained in an interview with the Observer in 2010 how the death of his mother in 1995 had helped persuade him to join the BHA.
“The most important thing that happened to me in the wake of my mother’s death wasn’t the strengthening of my feelings against religion. It was the strengthening of my feelings for disbelief,” he said.
“I didn’t lose faith. I gained faith. Faith in people. I am proud to describe myself as a humanist.”
Nobbs’s death will be commemorated with a humanist funeral.
