Stephen Fry attacks media coverage of Peter Cook's death

Following the media coverage of Peter Cook's death in January 1995, Stephen Fry felt compelled to defend Cook and his achievements from criticism about his 'failure' to fulfil his potential. (As Jonathan Ross said shortly afterwards: "of course he fulfilled his youthful potential - he fulfilled it when he was still young".)
This was broadcast about 36 hours after Cook's death.

[@huntedsnark7507]

Why on earth did KZbin offer me this on a Friday afternoon 14 years after it was posted? Who can say? but I'm so glad it did. Thank you for posting.

[@wilsonx54]

Thank God we have someone is as articulate,concise and loyal as Stephen Fry in the world.He can knock the vile,sycophantic and corrupt British press into place when needed.

[@79wx9z]

Total master of the English language while projecting a totally honest aura of a thoughtful person. Long live Stephen Fry! Rest in Peace Mr Cook.

[@billbill3890]

A loyal friend indeed.

[@stephen300o6]

A brief proof-read is a worthwhile moment, as our words sit for an age. Stephen loves a rant, he can ornately weave a rant, even the most nonsensical point can be woven into an awe inspiring truth, as David Mitchell of this generation, wonderful to just absorb the witty bile.

[@prophetsnake]

Nah they'll always win as long as people keep buying in. And they always will.

[@SiliconBong]

Yes he bloody well can and we should be fucking grateful. Have a nice day :)

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

Everyone should have friends like Stephen Fry.

[@jamesart9]

+Joseph Scott How very true.

[@jamesart9]

***** The same way he knows No-One should have a Tortured Artist as a friend :)

[@jimwilson5093]

+Drum Secrets I have met many famous people in the entertainment world and we don't really know them at all even after meeting them briefly. We may know about their work and even some things about their personal life but that still isn't "knowing" someone.. Obviously I agree with you completely

[@steviehair01]

+Drum Secrets I've never met Stephen Fry, but I know that if somebody starts putting down a friend of his then he stands up and says something about it. That's the sort of person that I'd like to have as a friend.

[@jimwilson5093]

steviehair01 I agree. 100% well said

[@kezadrone]

Anyone would be thrilled with that tribute. Well done Fry, beautifully written piece there. Never heard this before.

[@morrrticia]

About a month later Stephen Fry himself was attacked by media... I often think I can't love and admire him more, and every time he proves me wrong. He's not only extremely talented man, but he also has a warm heart and a pure soul. Peter Cook has got a great friend in Stephen.

[@darthkek1953]

Psst. This is Mr Dalliard.... grab your passport, _we've been activated._

[@JoostJGJ]

@@darthkek1953 "His TENTH? I myself had to make do with just ONE birthday."

[@quantumtheo]

@@darthkek1953 Mr. Dalliard, I've gone peculiar.

[@paultheaudaciousbradford6772]

Fry is a gem.

[@patsylune7243]

@@MarkAnthony-wo9fr I would like to assume that your comment was intended in sarcastic jest. But I do fear it may not be and for anyone else reading it and agreeing with it I feel it necessary to point out the below. What is "bad" about using cocaine? - common in people who have Bipolar disorder - which Stephen Fry has. What is "bad" about your undefined deviant behaviour - I'm assuming you're referring to risky behaviours such as hypersexuality or damage to reputation through something like crime? - common in people who have Bipolar Disorder. Finally what is "bad" about being a 'psychiatric patient"? Is it being a person with a psychiatric condition? Or being a person with a psychiatric condition that receives clinical, medically established treatments to support their wellbeing and work towards a more stable, happy and fulfilling life? None of the above mentioned qualities are "bad". In this case they are symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. In other cases they are unique circumstances that have a person attached to them. They are not morally repugnant for any of these things. Stephen also has an extensive collection of DvD's which he purchases en masse on compulsion. Which he can financially afford and makes him the ultimate host of friends for movie nights. He provides legendary entertainment on screen and off it as well. Bottom line: There are many facets to Bipolar Disorder and not of these actions or behaviours make a person bad, they are just part of that Bipolar flowering inside.

[@henman09]

As someone who knew Peter Cook, I was absolutely disgusted by the media's take on Peter as soon as he died. Stephen Fry set the perfect eulogy on the Best Comedian who had ever lived.

[@upon-fe2720]

How did you know him? Fascinating. I feel like that era of comedy has dated a lot, specifically Monty Python. There was a high level of immaturity that was so rare to see on TV and film that it exploded when it hit screens, it was almost like being on the TV was so special that filming something daft was the comedy of itself, it was a complicated, unusual, hysterical time regarding television and film in general, Peter Cook felt like the antithesis of what *SHOULD* be on TV. He often performed in a borderline malaise, it was a captivating malaise, the only captivating malaise I think I've known in all my life. There was something honest about all the work he did, there was honesty in his relationship with Dudley and it all bled through to his comedy. A phenomenal, inspirational, boundary breaking comic that I fear is already lost to time.

[@herrfister1477]

Incredible if true

[@CookingWithCows]

In spanish, pito and cock mean the same thing.

[@Razormiller]

@@upon-fe2720 I disagree that comedy like Pythons has dated. Python, at times, were surreally brilliant. A lot of their humour missed(even back in the day it came out) but when they got it right they were off the scale. Movies like The Life of Brian and The Holy Grail still masterpieces to this day. Still very original and very unique. And its not just "silly" humour. Its sillyness mixed with cleverness. Just look at the peasant "I didnt vote for you" scene in The Holy Grail. Pure genius.. Same goes for Spike Milligan and The Goons. That was "silly" humour but it was also absolutely brilliantly written comedy. Sillyness can be clever if written well. At the end of the day comedy is subjective. Stuff you mightnt find funny, smart or might find dated other people will find as absolutely hilarious. I was never a big fan of Cook but I loved Dudley Moore. I can see why people liked Cooke tho. Its my failing that I didnt really appreciate as much as others. Its just a matter of personal taste.

[@neil2550]

Well said

[@mateosanroman]

What a privilege to have a friend like Stephen Fry. Not only one of the most intelligent men I've ever heard, but also one of the most humane and empathetic.

[@Retrostar619]

That's how you stick up for a friend. Bravo Mr Fry!

[@KaitainCPS]

People talk of Cook as though his powers had waned greatly in later life, but his improvised 'Why Bother?' dialogues with Chris Morris, recorded around a year before his death, constitute one of the greatest hours of comedy I have ever heard.

[@simonanderson5241]

I had never heard about it before, and stumbled upon it about 10 years ago. It's really just two geniuses playing to their strengths.

[@peterdixon7734]

Indeed. "Prison is full of...at best..'rough diamonds'..."

[@NJJ77]

I read somewhere that Chris Morris had half expected Peter to turn up a drunken mess, but was amazed by the mental dexterity of the performance he put on.

[@peterdixon7734]

@@NJJ77 That is entirely possible.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

@@NJJ77 Peter was equally as scared of Chris Morris, wondering if he'd be trying to get one over on him, but they had just the perfect amount of mutual respect.

[@mrnobodyz]

☝🏼I grew up a little too young to enjoy Peter Cook in the sixties, but was lucky enough to meet him in Parliament Hill fields when I was 15, we were both skateboarding. I let him use my board and gave him some tips as his was great but way too long. A nice man. Now I am 57, I still teach skateboarding and can appreciate how lucky I was that day.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Peter Cook (November 17, 1937 - January 9, 1995), aged 57 You will always be remembered as a legend.

[@Textra1]

Fry has a way of being sentimental that doesn't arouse my cynicism. I could listen to him all day.

[@zingzangspillip1]

I think it's because he is honest in his sentiment. He doesn't gush or overdo anything; he tells the truth. I love Stephen so much!

[@dingdongshush]

Sincerity, I think.

[@vaseofflowers4619]

Christ on a bike! 12 years ago for the original comment...I can't believe I didn't get the internet until fairly recently. The number of great interviews and interviewees alone is worth the admission fee. But true to my nature, I was stubbornly reticent to join in on the online fun. What an unmitigated imbecile I can be. It was the same with mobile phones. I suppose some of us are just not tech-minded. Although I was fifty last week. I had hitherto viewed the internet as something for younger people and all I had seen of it was Facebook...which looked a trifle yawn-worthy. Glad to report I'm digging the KZbin scene...to use amusingly archaic terminology. Me be liking it.

[@patrickbyrne5070]

Real recognise real. Kindness recognises kindness.

[@seop1721]

No one composes a eulogy quite like Stephen Fry. He even did impressions! Brilliant.

[@Zipper696969]

...and damn good impressions !

[@susieusmaximus5330]

@@Zipper696969 Hah, just what I was going to say.

[@karlbassett8485]

Peter Cook did have one regret in life. He said he had a huge regret that once many years ago he saved David Frost from drowning....

[@stephen300o6]

And Supergirl of course

[@taraalan1131]

Karl Bassett Read that he plagiarised Peter Cook’s material...

[@GrilloTheFlightless]

Tara Alan Cook used to refer to him as The Bubonic Plagiarist.

[@Caradoc93]

Peter Cook enriched my life, and I think that's the best any of us could hope for.

[@michaeljames5936]

He made, and makes, me laugh. What more could I want from a comedian. He makes my daughter laugh too.

[@simonpayne5408]

What an orator, I'm in awe. If I merited half these sentiments expressed by Stephen Fry, I would be glad to have someone with half SFs talent to express them.

[@slazerlombardi]

There are whole series of QI on KZbin. You can watch it for hours just listening to Stephen and his friends.

[@MrDaiseymay]

yes---he certainly loves oral

[@tuxguys]

What an elegant, near Wilde-ean eulogy for Cook, by Fry.... Excellent.

[@MCshlthead]

dont talk shit

[@tuxguys]

Easy for you to say.

[@valika00]

Totally agree with you.

[@valika00]

Stephen Fry was not only loyal to his friend, but merciless against the cheap 'talking-down' of that great man.

[@zachtong5985]

He was without question the most original entertaining person I have ever known, not only to those of his generation, but to the younger and older. I well recall my grandmother 1891 to 1983 who saw Beyond the Fringe in 1963 when Peter played an abiding shepard being interviewed by Dudley with the Bethlehem Buggle. Tears were streaming down her face with laughter at the wonderful parody of it all as well as Allen Bennett doing the Vicar's sermon on the "Meaning of Life" like a can of sardines. We take the key and peel back the lid, eat out juicy meat, but there is always a little bit left way back in the corner which try as we might we can't get at. Perhaps it is only once in a hundred years that those of us here are fortunate enough to witness such wonderful wit!

[@jimbomayo69]

What a great tribute to Peter Cook, what PM this guy would be for us.

[@videowilliams]

The introduction's "Stephen Fry, one of a NEW generation of humourists" made me think "This show IS old!" till I put together he was "new" compared to Cook. But this whole tribute happened 25 years ago, so I guess I'm getting kinda old myself. "He was funny in the way that beautiful people are beautiful" is a brilliant point. Cook was essentially that thing without seeming to try.

[@madnessbydesign1415]

Unfulfilled potential? A timeless legacy can hardly be called "potential unfulfilled"...

[@leopold7562]

Damn right! There's not many of us on this planet whose body of work will live on long after we're gone, so as potential goes, that seems pretty damn fulfilled to me.

[@Madsenband88]

"Life was good to him and he was good to life" just gold^^

[@petersutton2182]

I'm watching telly that night...... classic Peter Cook! A bloody genius!

[@ianhowlett4682]

Sounds like Peter Cook had got Prince Andrew sized up about 30 years before the rest of us!

[@nonstopdancer]

This is really fantastic, I remember watching all the news coverage the day Peter Cook died, but I didn't see this go out the following day. Thanks so much for uploading it!

[@romz1]

Yeah

[@righthandson13]

Fry's a good man.

[@davidrobinson2776]

Never has Stephen Fry been more on point. The beautiful Peter Cook, like Viv Stanshall, did exactly what he wanted. He valued personal happiness more than the illusion of celebrity. Peter was like John Lennon, Diego Maradona and Jimmy Reid. A genius that words could never, ever do justice to.

[@Batcave17Kerpow]

I could not disagree with you one bit. Sheer Genius.

[@richardsawyer5428]

You're spot on. That first sentence is saying alot when it comes to Stephen Fry. He has more intelligence, eloquence and wit gathered in his left big toe that I could ever dream of having. As for Peter Cook, I was too young to appreciate his genius during his lifetime. Thank goodness for his archived work on KZbin, etc.

[@madMARTYNmarsh1981]

Maradonna was a come head and a cheat. Lennon was a bit of a twat too.

[@donr2176]

Hi David, I was very lucky to have seen Peter a number of times in London- back in the 1960's, and Viv Stanshall-[ in the Bonzo Dog Do Dah Band!!] Happy days, back then..

[@richardsawyer5428]

@Jay M Ark at ee young 'un with your "I go into a room and can still remember why I went in there" cockiness! I bet that you've got all your own teeth too! 🤣

[@TK-ul7mr]

He was utterly brilliant. Quick and on point within seconds. An absolutely stunningly funny man.

[@justinjha]

This is not just the case for Peter Cook the media always do this. They report flaws in character and negative aspects of a person rather than focussing on what that person achieved.

[@mfactor88]

i was stunned when both Peter and Dudley passed, they were a truly magic combo, and utterly original. we lost another great this week too RiP Rik Mayall. Frys tribute is stunning in its defence and respect. always a fan of QI

[@TheKonga88]

Did you believe they were immortal then?😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡🐯

[@Johnny-sj9sj]

@@TheKonga88 ho ho ho! Oh, wait… 🤔

[@TheKonga88]

@@Johnny-sj9sj Cho Cho cho squoo zate 🤔🤭🌛😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🪐🚀👽🧍🏼‍♀️🍾🤓🤓💃🐸

[@BroonParker]

​@@TheKonga88 trolling obituaries. A new low.

[@TheKonga88]

@@BroonParker Your stupidity is astounding 🤡🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂🤣

[@islaadele1212]

Wonderful heartfelt words. No pomp, no pretention, just earnest emotion delivered with beautiful clarity. Well said indeed.

[@pixiewings21_9]

This is marvellous. I, too, loved Peter Cook. I still do - he has provided me with hours and hours of delight and hilarity, as I am sure he has done for millions of his fans throughout the world - what a wonderful legacy to leave behind.

[@Fcutdlady]

I agree with Stephen Fry, Peter Cook lived the life he wanted to live. Good for him. Like Stephen Fry said, none of us are unflawed.

[@andreasegde]

This video was so moving, intelligent and caring, that I cried. Beautiful in its eloquence.

[@RamblinTim]

I've never seen this before. Thank you for posting - it's wonderful.

[@andreo.7633]

One comedic genius standing up for another.. respect. Rip P.C and D.M im not british or even north american. Im south american from Colombia. But looove british humor and specifically these men.

[@astonmartinvee8]

What a good idea. Someone who knows someone correcting the media lies and bullshit. Good for Stephen Fry and good for Peter Cook.

[@christopherhowe4947]

a great man with incomparable intellect and depth unlike the vast majority of people in this world

[@ITVWeatherFans]

THIS is the Stephen Fry I like, yeah I know he's the same guy from QI - but here, Stephen was witty, truthful and confident without the vanity of the game show. It was a nice tribute to the late, great Peter Cook. It wasn't overly sad, instead reminding us mostly of the good things he brought to screen and friends.

[@neoliberalism_sucks]

The truth is a mere inconvenience... We really do need to re-evaluate how success is measured. A beautiful send off from Stephen Fry.

[@michealcurrie8272]

Loved to the end. A master of perception incredibly astute comic genius. Great tribute. R.I.P. Peter Cook. With kind remembrances.

[@peterhoulis1184]

I still piss myself laughing when he was with Dudley Moore as Derek and Clive

[@davindaire]

Lovely and very welcome words. Thanks for this gracious upload.

[@Ruby20111000]

Peter Cook was a genius. Gone to soon.

[@shanewright2772]

He was the funniest man who ever drew a breath.

[@vijaynair2403]

I’m an American. I’ve always loved Stephen Fry, his intellect and his humor. I wish we had a cultural icon like him in the US. We have some that are close but not like Fry. And Fry shows how brave he is here.

[@vaseofflowers4619]

That's very nice of you to say that. Allow me to say as a Brit that Gore Vidal was an insidiously intelligent man that was also brutally honest and extremely funny.

[@brmbkl]

@@vaseofflowers4619 Truman Capote as well?

[@vaseofflowers4619]

@@brmbkl Yes...Capote could be considered in this regard. Although, Capote was rather less inclined to appear on TV. A good shout.

[@patrickbyrne5070]

Much love from UK brother - you a real one 👊

[@weikko79]

Very eloquent. "He had funniness in the same way beautiful people have beauty" - well put!

[@voraciousreader3341]

I love the fact that, in Britain, time is made for something like this and, that there are such erudite people like Fry who feel compelled to write wrongs and use such beautiful sentences to do it. He’s so young here, but his intellect shines forth so comfortably in the defense of a great man....well done, Fry!

[@saxongreen78]

Yeah, Mate...Fry's right on the money again - Pete was horribly eulogised by the press and his embittered detractors. Peter Cook was a giant.

[@darrenjones3784]

I thought he was normal sized.

[@saxongreen78]

@@darrenjones3784 😊 He _was_ quite tall, though.

[@tonyfranklin8306]

@David hill lol, tres funny

[@paulashe61]

Peter Cook was centrally the 60’s

[@minxadinxaroo]

This is a reply to Minty Spunkbubble. He used to ring up the BBC and pose as a concerned member of the public. He once saw some naked female dancers from a tribe amongst the African Nation and rang them up to say that he knew a Women's Institute in Hendon who would be interested in doing the same thing. He used to complain to BBC that they did not flag something up as filthy and he missed it. If someone rang him up and asked him to dinner he would pretend to consult his diary and say I am sorry but I find I shall be busy watching television that night. If he did go out to dinner with friends they used to ask him to shut up because he was so naturally funny they were laughing too much to eat. He was that person. He didn't suddenly go on stage and become someone else. He was a genius.

[@Calidore1]

I thought he was rather predictable and not funny. but the English media public seem to disagree.

[@NxDoyle]

A few weeks later, Stephen disappeared, having received a terrible notice for his performance in the play Cell Mates, in which he starred with Rik Mayall. It's well-documented now that it was as a result of Stephen's undiagnosed bipolar disorder, but back then was put down to stage fright.

[@luckyswine]

Cook genuinely couldn't give a toss what the media did or said about him. Its apparent that the work was its own reward, mainly riding that high sharp precipitous edge of improvisational genius.

[@geoffwales8646]

That David Frost impersonation was amazing. Great eulogy from the man of letters to the man of razor sharp wit.

[@kevincupcake24]

Stephen Fry is legendary - treasure him and all of his intellect and perfect timing

[@peterowen9183]

And, like all great comics and satirists, Fry has an unerring eye for who the giants in his field are/were.

[@timtop5542]

Stephen fry is an amazing well spoke gentleman, just perfect words x Thankyou Stephen :)

[@vonclaren1]

Such a brilliantly honest and insightful eulogy, I would love to hear have heard it in my left ear also

[@loinbread]

how can something such a heartful tribute be so downright hilarious?

[@ChakaWhatTheDovahkiin]

Oh my god this made me cry!

[@542300]

ChakaWhat f

[@jasoncorr4619]

Just discovered this now. What an amazing tribute

[@michaeljames5936]

Much of the great comedy of my childhood and youth (and before it) requires a deal of explanation for the youth of today, even classics like 'The Life of Brian', but I can watch Peter Cook with my 15 yo daughter and both of us are laughing in the exact same way, without irony, or 'retrospective appreciation', at his absolute comedy genius. Simply funny, timelessly funny, no explanation required!

[@jonnawyatt]

Youth of today.🙄

[@Danjanon]

I particularly enjoyed it when Stephen Fry compared journalist's work to school essays. Bravo Stephen

[@earthisflat9067]

I barely knew of Peter Cook until I was somewhat accidentally exposed to the most brilliant triple album I had ever listened to (I'm not sure there were more than 3 triple albums that I know of, but that he out-ranked Frank Zappa in his collaboration with Godley Creme on Consequences '77 is extraordinary if you know what a great Zappa fan I have been for nearly my entire life). For those of you who have not listened to this masterpiece and who may not even care for the music, it is a concept album and performance that is as brilliant and subtle and varied as anything I have ever heard. Oh, I was once someone with 'potential', and I guess I still have. But bless Mr. Fry for his response, which emphasizes that popularity is not always the ultimate goal...in fact, some like Samuel Beckett whose behavior was modified by winning the Nobel Prize for literature both before and after may have concurred. I'm not even sure I always 'got' Mr. Cook's subtlety. But I am also sure I didn't have to. And excuse me, but fuck people for telling someone else what their life should have been rather than what it was. If you don't like it, kindly walk away.

[@earthisflat9067]

This is near the start of the first side of the second album. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqiVo2N6aLyDhrc

[@earthisflat9067]

With: - Sarah Vaughan / vocals (13) - Mel Collins / sax (11) - Peter Cook / dialogues writing & performing - Andy Peebles / performer - Judy Huxtable / performer - Peter Wheelers / performer

[@BroonParker]

I'm only sorry that the BBC trashed so much of Not Only But Also so that you have missed some of the very best TV of the 1960s. Cook and Moore were a superb team, even greater than the sum of their incredible parts.

[@truemansparks]

Stephen's words are so true so much shit is talked about famous people when they die usually in the media by those who probably know precious little about the person they are writing or talking about.

[@kenmannagh7788]

No one else could have spoke so eloquently about Peter unlike the gutter press.

[@teecee1567]

SpokEN.

[@paddybpaddyb9940]

He used to phone up LBC radio in the middle of the night in the guise of an Icelandic fisherman, no, I never realised it was him either until many years later.

[@BitchinWallabies]

Us Brits had Cook, and he still remains to be the most funniest man in my eyes, but now we have Stephen. He stood by his friend, well done Fry! And he's right, "Lucky old angels, lucky old heaven."

[@benbunyip]

“He had funniness in the same way beautiful people have beauty.” At times Steven Fry can explain something that settles the matter so well.

[@antyvirusuk8056]

Mad how these words still hold true

[@downunder104nz]

Such a brilliant and heart felt speach on behalf of a brilliant man.

[@obiwan88]

Simply put, the media sold it's integrity and soul for maximum profitability. Mr Stephen Fry is an immensely intelligent man with an equal sense of integrity and loyalty to his friends.

[@vincentvangogh8092]

Cook was a liberal and they hate that, even more now

[@Tiresias55]

Thank God we live in a Great Britain, with Stephen Fry in it. x

[@grahamreeve5209]

When the media make a noise and say nothing? He was/is a genius and always will be. Stephen you put it better than I ever could thank you and much love to you.

[@farje1]

Peter Cook was a genius. Ful stop. He did in life what ever he bloody wanted and that's it. Stephen Fry is so right here. The indulgent, patronising obituaries written by people who didn't have on ounce of Peter Cook's talents are simply another reminder of how much he is missed.

[@leopold7562]

They probably didn't even know Cook either, just rehashed stories, passing comments and half-truths to pad out an obituary.

[@weekendwankere69]

Visit the Green Ginger Wetherspoon’s pub in Torquay, where Peter Cook lived 5 minutes drive from. Peter Cook is from Torbay, Devon

[@SpeccyMan]

Walked along Middle Warberry Road (where Peter was born) many a time.

[@ChosenWon]

Way to go, Stephen. This is how you defend a friend, dead or alive.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

That was perfectly put, and needed to be said

[@potterpotty01]

Stephen fry should write all obituaries. What a lovely tribute.

[@DarrenBonJovi]

Fry sums him up beautifully. Wasted life and talent? If my only achievement in life was Sven from Swiss Cottage I would die a very happy man...

[@simazar]

Brilliant polemic, and the bang on impressions Frost and Cook at the end, as casual as if he was filing his nails. Such talent

[@slickwillywize]

A worse place without Cook and Hitchens

[@stevenaustin8274]

absolutely! two people you would love to have at your fantasy dinner party

[@peterh1353]

Two type of Hitchen lovers. One liked what he said and one which like the way he said it. Which are you?

[@jamesatkins1802]

Peter H I don't agree with the word "liked". The world should not have had to hear what Hitch said, which was mostly detailed criticism of other public figures, their actions and ideas. He had to say these things; he had a compulsion to criticise and I thought his observation and criticism was powerful, clever and fascinating. So I "like" how he spoke and that he was able to do it so well, but I don't "like" the fact that his emphasis was on attacking "wrong". Have his attacks helped to improve our world - I'd "like" to hope so.

[@craigharris2731]

Peter H What a staggeringly-stupid comment. Unbeatable. You win the 'net.

[@degsbabe]

Wonder what Hitchens or Cook would make of the politically inept comedy surrounding Brexit. Goodbye goodbye we're leaving you toni......?

[@joelfildes5544]

Stephen Fry for prime minister...

[@vonclaren1]

HAHAHA they don't make good men heads of state. You must be new here :P

[@Michael-4]

Sadly they will do exactly the same with Fry, the tormented comedy legend, the tormented genius.

[@leopold7562]

Yeah, I suspect you're right. No doubt they'll have an hour long tribute littered with examples of how his sexuality was a source of torture growing up and that he was constantly plagued by his bipolar disorder. It serves no purpose other than to scribble on his legacy, in much the same way as they did with Peter Cook.

[@urmorph]

Hopefully they won't get an opportunity for quite a while yet.

[@poxyclypse]

If Fry passes before Hugh Laurie, I hope that Laurie can give us an equally resplendent eulogy. And vice versa. Mr. Cook is missed. Here he is on HIGNFY, with the also late Douglas Adams: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpDMlnx5famBjqM

[@kosice1234]

When Stephen Fry's time comes, we should all share this video as an antidote to the nonsense they're going to write about him.

[@jumbybird6222]

Maybe he should preempt them and do his own tribute rant.

[@WarningDontReadThis]

He has such an amazing control of words I could only dream of.

[@ExodusPessoa]

Shame on the media for saying that the late great Peter Cook wasted his talent. I'm so glad that another great Stephen Fry defended him. It's quit easy to bash the dead they can't defend themselves!

[@8iker]

The same kind of things could be said of Oliver Reed.

[@carbonlifeform666]

@biker not really, he was just an offensive alcoholic

[@8iker]

@@carbonlifeform666... Not denying that... But, imagine what he could have achieved. That unfulfilled promise stuff. Olly was a great actor, wit and raconteur. If only he could have layed off the booze.

[@BernieHollandMusic]

You cannot be serious !

[@Loshia2002]

Wonderful tribute to a man who truly deserves it. I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Cook a few years before he passed...my boyfriend's mother and I had just returned to the Bel Age hotel here in LA after tending to a rather upsetting family matter and had gone into the Brassiere Restaurant for breakfast. This was when smoking was still allowed in bars and eateries and the waitress had seated us at a table that was the dividing mark between smoking and non smoking.

[@dh2032]

? the was a line on the table doted line (or not) on the table, smoking on one side and non-smoking the rest of the table? sound like good joke, but where does Peter Cook fit is to that, is it joke he did, as joke, and you saw it in real life?

[@gambamama]

I adored Peter Cook. Stephen Fry is brilliant and I miss Dudley Moore's genius dreadfully. Thanks for posting this.

[@richardjoseph8532]

I am ashamed to admit that I only recently discovered Mr Cook's comedic genius... Thankfully much of it is preserved on film and available on KZbin, for us to appreciate. I don't know what the media said about him after his passing, nor do I wish to. I'd rather just enjoy his work... Thank you, Sir!

[@221b-Maker-Street]

Have you come across the *Derek and Clive* tapes yet? If not you have an absolute *treat* in store. They’re audio recordings, never publicly released afaik as very risqué, but _well_ worth a listen. I discovered them by accident via a bootleg tape as a teenager and feel in love instantly with both Peter and Dudley - I’d never heard anything like them. Watching this eulogy with its pinpoint accuracy, brought tears to my eyes, and reminded me once again how great a talent Peter was, and how our world is the smaller without him. Bittersweet. 😔

[@richardjoseph8532]

@@221b-Maker-Street Thanks for the tip, I shall look out for that... 😉

[@RonThink]

I'm sorry to say Richard that most of Pete and Dud's work was erased. Erased by the BBC. Peter wanted to buy his material back, the BBC denied him that, then 'accidentally' erased most of his work shortly afterwards. I can only assume that he upset someone higher up. From Wikipedia ... 'When Cook learned a few years later that the videotapes of the series were to be wiped, a common practice at the time, he offered to buy the recordings from the BBC but was refused because of copyright issues. He suggested he could purchase new tapes so that the BBC would have no need to erase the originals, but this was also turned down. Of the original 22 programmes, only eight still survive complete. A compilation of six half-hour programmes, The Best of... What's Left of... Not Only...But Also was shown on television and has been released on both VHS and DVD.

[@babyshambler]

I'm 29 and I accept the fact that Cook was the funniest man that ever lived.

[@scopex2749]

My parents loved 'Pete & Dud' when I was a kid and hence they came to my attention and I adored them both. Their comedy was so subtle and genius. As Stephen says "lucky old angels - lucky old heaven". Sadly missed by us all LEAVE HIM ALONE if you have not a good word for the man. RIP Dear Peter Cook.

[@TheInselaffen]

Well done Pete for dodging that Windsor fellow.

[@rinkymcdinky]

Thank you, Stephen Fry. You remain as the funniest, wittiest and most sensible voice within England. Please lead our country out of this mess?? People will listen to you, as we all love and respect you more than the homogenised Etonites, or the Peerage. On a personal note, your Defence of Cook is truly admirable. If you'll forgive the pun, nothing was wasted on him. Peter was the greatest of all Englishmen; and you, Stephen Fry, stand astride him. Ho ho. xxx

[@rodericksloan1255]

Peter cook one of the GREATS.

[@j.m.waterfordasxiphanex3738]

Wow, makes note to make friends with Stephen Fry so I can get a half decent obituary.

[@Cravatman]

Well said. Thankyou.

[@ThePythonfan]

Amazing video!

[@flower2364]

Well said Stephen. I loved Peter Cook. And when he was with Dudley ...well they just clicked. I am glad they over came their differences in the end. Peter Cook was simply put a genius and as straight as a dye. I will miss him ...I also miss Dudley. Intelligent men. Earth's loss, Heavens gain.

[@r4gg3dt1g3r]

Wow, that was a great defense, and I'm barely familiar with Peter Cook!

[@eddiebigfatmonkyspank2438]

Then you are missing out, he was a comic genius. Look up Derrick and Clive.

[@user-kk5kr5ys6i]

The Pete and Dud sketches from the TV show "Not Only ... But Also" I think were better.

[@eddiebigfatmonkyspank2438]

The one legged Tarzan sketch s a classic

[@zackchurch4850]

If you're an American, I find most know him best as "The Impressive Clergyman" in the Princess Bride...one of the shortest roles in the movie, with some of the most-quoted lines. MAWWAGE!

[@karlwells9992]

Well said stephen fry

[@euskir]

Bright people talking about bright people. Unusual in the mass media. Gente brillante hablando sobre gente brillante. No es habitual en los medios masivos.

[@zenzombie72]

Now that's what I call, "Setting the record straight".