Rik Mayall is mainly known in the U.S. for Drop Dead Fred, but it is in his home country that his comedy legacy remains.
Rik attended the University of Manchester to study drama and it was there where he met and became friends with the likes of Ade Edmondson (husband of Jennifer Saunders) and Ben Elton. Along with other comedians, Rik opened “The Comic Strip” in Soho, London which led to The Comic Strip Presents… television series premiering in 1982.
Throughout his 30 year-long career, Rik amassed a long list of credits to his name such as his lead roles in Bottom and The Young Ones. Off the stage and screen, Rik lent his voice to various video games and animated films and TV shows. He won the 1996 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance as Mr. Toad in The Willows in Winter.
Rik’s role as Richard Davies on Man Down was one of his final television roles before his sudden death in 2014.
A comedy talent gone far too soon, it’s lovely to see that his memory with live on in these fans’ tribute tattoos.
Which Rik Mayall role is your favourite?
The Tattooed Archivist 