The Velvet Onion would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Felix Dexter, who died on Friday aged 52.

First appearing Junior Simpson, Kulvinder Ghir. Robbie Gee and Meera Syal in sketch show The Real McCoy, Dexter went on to appear in a number of landmark comedies and smash hit shows over the last two decades.

These included a recurring role as John Johnston in Absolutely Fabulous, spots in The Fast Show, Knowing Me Knowing You… With Alan Partridge and Alexei Sayle’s Merry Go Round to name but a few.

In recent years, Felix played various characters in Rhys Thomas led radio series Down The Line and it’s television spin-off Bellamy’s People.  He also provided voices for various characters in Mongrels – including, of course, Lamb That Sounds Like Morgan Freeman – and worked as a dramatic actor in Casualty, The Bill, Empire and Jonathan Creek.

His work obviously touched a lot of comic talent over the years, who either worked with – or greatly admired – him as an actor, comic and friend.  Below are a series of tweets summing up the legacy he left behind.

Terrible news about Felix Dexter. Oh, man. That’s so sad. He was an extremely nice, extremely talented man.

— Danny Wallace (@dannywallace) October 18, 2013

Fareforward Felix Dexter. A funny funny man I worked on Mongrels with. Part of my tv upbringing. Much love. X

— rufus jones (@rufusjones1) October 18, 2013

RIP Felis Dexter. a very lovely man and seriously talented. too young to lose him, very sad

— Alice Lowe (@alicelowe) October 19, 2013

Shocked and sad at news of Felix Dexter’s death. He created such an array of original characters for The Real McCoy and beyond. Real talent.

— charlie hanson (@charlietantrum) October 19, 2013

RIP Felix Dexter – a comedy legend http://t.co/jJ5jsxiglt #felixdexter

— Katy Brand (@KatyFBrand) October 19, 2013

very sad news about my old friend Felix Dexter. A brilliant comedian,a superb comic actor, a lovely man I feel privileged to have known.

— Bill Bailey (@BillBailey) October 19, 2013

I worked w. Felix Dexter in the 90’s on my TV show. He wsa a brilliant improviser, actor and comic and should have had his own show. R.I.P

— Lenny Henry (@ITISLENNYHENRY) October 19, 2013

Felix Dexter? Doesn’t seem possible. Very funny, very gentle, man: his death is a real loss to comedy.

— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) October 18, 2013

Very saddened to hear about passing of Felix Dexter. The real McCoy in many senses. #RIP

— Omid Djalili (@omid9) October 18, 2013

So sad to hear about the death of Felix Dexter. As a momento, a great clip on @chortle of him just NAILING it. http://t.co/1Vb2D5UYwA

— Dara ö Briain (@daraobriain) October 19, 2013

Felix Dexter and this. Felt so deliriously ground-breaking at the time. A mad celebration of a new type of comedy http://t.co/gLaVNZB09K

— David Schneider (@davidschneider) October 18, 2013

Dexter is currently starring in BBC One sitcom Citizen Khan as Omar, with recent episodes available on iPlayer.  Sadly, his much reduced role was made whilst suffering from myeloma – a type of bone marrow cancer which claimed his life late last week.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones, and his performances shall live on.