The comedian Andy Smart, best known for his improv comedy work with the Vicious Boys and the Comedy Store Players, died unexpectedly on Tuesday night at the age of 63.
“Hi this is Grace, Andy’s daughter, I’m very sorry to let you all know that dad passed away unexpectedly last night. He had so many friends and such a great life. Raise a glass for him,” the comedian’s daughter tweeted on Wednesday from Andy’s account.
Before his spirit departed from his earthly vessel, Smart had a reputation as a witty and energetic improvisor. Smart began his career in the 80s as one half of the Vicious Boys with fellow comedian Angelo Abela.
Together the duo won the 1984 Time Out Street Entertainer Award, significantly boosting Smart’s media profile. During this period, the Vicious Boys famously appeared on the then-popular music program “The Tube,” during which appearance Smart impersonated a Great Dane while dressed as a bellboy, causing raucous amusement among the audience.
However, Smart is best known today as a member of the Comedy Store Players, which he joined as a permanent member in 1995. Smart found great success as a member of the troupe, performing improv comedy alongside household names including Mike Myers and Eddie Izzard.
“Very sorry to hear this Grace. Andy was a very funny man and a great improviser. His talent will be missed,” Izzard replied to Grace Smart’s aforementioned post.
Smart also received tribute from fellow Comedy Store Player Josie Lawrence, who collaborated with Smart for decades as members of the troupe.
“Shocking news. Andy Smart has died. We the Comedy Store Players are utterly heartbroken. We cannot say how much we will miss him. He was a joy. He laughed more than anyone we knew. He did so much crazy stuff but mostly he made our little world way more fun. We loved him so much,” Lawrence wrote on social media.
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