Famous British comedian Ronnie Corbett dies

British comedian Ronnie Corbett died on Thursday, March 31. He was 85.

Corbett had been dealing with health issues over the past few years and was hospitalized due to gall bladder problems in 2014, reported BBC.

"Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation's best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family," said his publicist, "They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time."

Corbett was perhaps best known for working with Ronnie Barker in The Two Ronnies, which ran from 1971 to 1987. Barker passed away in 2005.

Many famous comedians have shared their sympathies for Corbett's death, including Ricky Gervais and Miranda Hart. Movie star Russell Crowe also paid tribute saying, "And it's good night from Ronnie Corbett. Thanks for all the laughs mate."

Comedian John Cleese took to social media to express his sorrow.

Just heard about Ronnie C.So sad.He had the best timing I've ever watched.He was a great, kind mentor and a wonderfully witty companion.

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) March 31, 2016

Corbett was born in Edinburgh on December 4, 1930. At the age of 15, he stared at a pantomime at his local church youth club. He got his first shot at fame when he first came on The Frost Report in the 1960s. David Frost, the host, first spotted him in cabaret at Danny La Rue’s nightclub. Corgrett was invited onto the show to work with Frost, Baker and Cleese.

From there, he worked on many other television shows including Follies and No, That’s Me Over Here.

Corbett also did some solo performances, including Sorry! He was in the show from 1981 to 1988. He also hosted some talk shows, one of them was the BBC One game show, Small Talk. He worked on the show from 1994 to 1996. He also recently appeared on the BBC Radio 4 show where he was reunited with the writer of Sorry!.

He continued to work and at the age of 80, he made a two part series called Comedy Britain and met other great comedians including: David Mitchell, Michael McIntyre and Miranda Hart.

The actor enjoyed golf, cricket,and bread making. He was also awarded a CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours for his charity and his services to the entertainment industry.

He leaves behind his wife Anne Hart and three children, Emma Corbett, Sophie Corbett and Andrew Corbett.