Rik Mayall

Rik Mayall possibly did more to put alternative comedy on the map and on television than any other British comedian. Loud-mouthed by anyone's standards, he nonetheless was beloved by many across the U.K. and the world, as was witnessed by the outpouring of affection at his untimely death on June 09, 2014. Although most would say they were familiar with his work with long-time partner Adrian Edmondson on such shows as "The Comic Strip Presents..." (Channel 4 1982-2012) and his international breakthrough "The Young Ones" (BBC 1982-84), he also did solo work in films like "An American Werewolf in London" (1981) and his starring vehicle "Drop Dead Fred" (1991), as well as voice-over work including his performance as Toad in "The Wind in the Willows" (1995) and "The Willows in Winter" (1996).