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Home / Entertainment

British comedian Victoria Wood dies after cancer battle

Daily Mail
21 Apr, 2016 04:30 AM4 mins to read

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Victoria Wood holds her two Bafta awards, one for Best Actress and one for Best Single Drama, in 2007. Photo / AP

Victoria Wood holds her two Bafta awards, one for Best Actress and one for Best Single Drama, in 2007. Photo / AP

British comedian, singer and actress Victoria Wood died aged 62 following a short battle with cancer.

Wood passed away at her north London home surrounded by her family, the Daily Mail reported. The award-winning sketch writer had written and starred in dozens of plays, films and sitcoms and was particularly famed for her UK TV sketch shows.

Her long-time comedy partner, actress Julie Walters, said: "Too heart sore to comment. The loss of her is incalculable."

Wood's family posted on her Twitter account: "Thank you for your love and support at this very hard time. We leave you with these words from Victoria. X"

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The post was followed by the quote: "Life's not fair is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane, and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on the A597."

Wood's brother Chris Foote Wood, 75, said: "It wasn't just that Victoria was hugely talented in so many different fields, she was also outstanding in her tremendous, single-minded drive and determination to pursue her chosen career.

Victoria Wood was a national treasure loved by millions. My thoughts are with her family.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 20, 2016

"Success did not come easily to Victoria, and it was only after years of struggle that she achieved her well-deserved national acclaim. I am hugely proud of what my sister has done so successfully in different fields of entertainment.

"It has been a privilege to have her as a sister, and particularly to have been able to observe at first hand how she developed her career from the earliest beginnings.

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"Victoria's two children, my niece Grace and nephew Henry will be absolutely devastated to lose their mother at such a relatively young age."

Watch and weep. 62 is far too young. RIP Victoria Wood. https://t.co/X45piyvWC5

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 20, 2016

He also praised his sister's determination to give her two children as "normal an upbringing as possible" despite her fame. His tribute came after a statement from her publicist Neil Reading, which stated: "Victoria Wood has sadly passed away, after a short but brave battle with cancer.

Cant believe Vic has gone.She was truly an inspiration and had so much left to to give and we won't see it. She was so funny.#VictoriaWood

— jennifer saunders (@ferrifrump) April 20, 2016

"The multi BAFTA award-winning writer, director, actor and comedian died peacefully at her North London home with family this morning. She was 62. The family ask for privacy at this very sad time."

Wood started her career in 1974 by winning the talent show New Faces aged 20, before going on to become one of Britain's most popular stand-up comics.

Discover more

New Zealand

Cancer 'a great motivator' for film-maker

20 Apr 09:18 PM

I just found out that the amazing Victoria Wood is gone. I have to say I'm gutted and tearful. I hate cancer!

— Boy George (the truth is in your breath) (@BoyGeorge) April 20, 2016

Tributes have poured in from the showbusiness and comedy world. Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC,said: "Victoria Wood was a woman with a stunning array of talents - a comedian, singer, songwriter, actress and director.

"People identified with her warmth and great charm. She brought people from all walks of life together and made them laugh and cry. She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her friends and family."

RIP Victoria Wood, 62.
How terribly young, how terribly sad.
Very funny lady. pic.twitter.com/etn2bYfYB5

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 20, 2016

Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "Victoria Wood was a national treasure loved by millions. My thoughts are with her family."

Novelist JK Rowling posted a video of Wood performing Reincarnation Song, writing: "Watch and weep. 62 is far too young. RIP Victoria Wood."

Fellow comedian Jennifer Saunders tweeted: "She was truly an inspiration and had so much left to to give and we won't see it."

Shocked by news of Victoria Wood. I worked with her last year and was reminded of just what a superlative performer she was.Only 62 !

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) April 20, 2016
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