Adored Comedian Tragically Found Dead By Partner After She Came Home From Walking Dog

September 30, 2026, 7:58pm EST 3K+ • By Orlando Silva

Comedy fans mourn the sudden loss of a unique talent.

The British comedy and music worlds received sad news this week with the sudden passing of a familiar face from the alternative comedy circuit and classic television. Ronnie Golden, whose real name was Tony De Meur, died at home on September 26 at the age of 78. His partner, film producer Grace Carley, discovered him after returning from a short dog walk.

Click for sound 0:00 / 0:00 Carley shared that the couple had enjoyed a relaxed lunch in the garden before she stepped out. She returned roughly 40 minutes later to find him gone.

Emergency responders arrived quickly but could not revive him.

“Without any fuss or bother, he simply slipped away yesterday afternoon while I was walking the dog. Never even fell off his perch, so to speak. I know it will be an enormous shock, as it was to me, but I am consoled by his complete lack of pain or suffering,” Carley wrote.

Golden first gained notice as founder of the 1970s band The Fabulous Poodles, which released albums and supported acts including Tom Petty. After the group ended, he moved into comedy, becoming a regular at The Comedy Store and joining the Comic Strip collective.

Television audiences remember him for a memorable appearance in an early episode of The Young Ones, where he hung upside down in a parachute as Buddy Holly. He also contributed to Spitting Image and collaborated for years with the late Barry Cryer on stage and radio. Later work included fronting the soul and R&B outfit Ronnie and the Rex.

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Colleagues quickly shared memories of his talent and kindness. Actor Mike Fenton Stevens, who worked with him on Spitting Image, called him a talented, funny, and unique man.

Tributes reflected both professional respect and personal affection for a performer who stayed busy well into his later years.

“I agree. Uniquely gifted and a great friend,” one said.

I agree. Uniquely gifted and a great friend

“What a widely-spanning career (noun, not verb, to use one of his jokes) he had. Also played the harmonica part on the ‘Finger of fudge’ advert!” another said.

What a widely-spanning career (noun, not verb, to use one of his jokes) he had. Also played the harmonica part on the ‘Finger of fudge’ advert!

“I met him briefly when Grace and I were both on Mastermind about 10 years ago – he was a lovely guy,” someone noted.

I met him briefly when Grace and I were both on Mastermind about 10 years ago – he was a lovely guy.

“RIP Ronnie/Tony a lovely and talented person❤️,” a fourth wrote.

RIP Ronnie/Tony a lovely and talented person❤️

Golden leaves behind a body of work that moved easily between music and sharp comedy. His sudden departure has left friends and fans reflecting on a career defined by originality and quiet consistency.