Comic remembered as ‘a truly beautiful man’
Kurt Bayer
Actor and comedian David McPhail, who has died aged of 76, has been saluted as “terribly gifted” and “one of nature’s gentlemen”.
McPhail, one half of the legendary satirical duo McPhail and Gadsby, died in Christchurch overnight on Thursday. He had been living at the Merivale Retirement Village.
McPhail’s son Matt posted on Facebook yesterday morning: “It is with the deepest sadness that I share with you the news that our wonderful husband, father and grandfather David McPhail died in his sleep last night. He leaves a great big hole in our lives but not in our hearts. A truly beautiful man.”
The acting community immediately started posting tributes to the trailblazing satirist.
Writer and actor David Fane wrote: “Peace light n love being sent your aigas way. He was one of my Heroes, and the first time I met him he made me feel like the most important person he had met that day.”
Close friend and former comedy partner Chris McVeigh, QC, was stunned by the sudden death, describing it as “devastating”.
“It’s an awful cliche sometimes, but it’s dead right this time — he was one of nature’s gentlemen and a terribly gifted one at that,” McVeigh said.
Actor Peter Rowley described him as having “such an influence in this country, paving a path of mirth and colour through the grey world of politics with his groundbreaking satire”.
Former TVNZ staffer Rob McLaughlin said his formative years in television were shaped during the McPhail and Gadsby era. “What halcyon days they were. I loved him as Muldoon. So spot on. What a talented man and what a legacy he leaves.”
Broadcaster Jason Gunn said he was grateful he met McPhail early in his career. “I got to watch this amazing performer on television that entertained the entire Gunn family and the nation. Then when I was 18 or 19 and started in TV I got to meet this man, David McPhail.
“I remember being so starstruck and what moved me the most is he is such a generous and genuine man.
“He took time to ask ‘how are you?’ And he stuck around for the answer. A real gentleman.”