Felix Dexter Dies: 'Real McCoy' Star Passes Away From Cancer

Felix Dexter, star of the 1990s BBC series "The Real McCoy," died Friday after a fight with cancer.

Dexter also starred in "The Fast Show" and "Absolutely Fabulous." He was the first black comic to get a regular slot at London's Comedy Store, according to The Daily Mail. 

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Friends of Dexter said that despite Dexter's pain from cancer treatments, it did not diminish his spirit and willingness to make people laugh.

"It's quite weird, you're going to see somebody being diagnosed with a terminal illness and you find yourself laughing, really hard," said friend Eddie Nestor, a BBC Radio host for "Up All Night." "It was great to be able to spend some time with him. (I was) lying with somebody on their death bed and they're still making jokes."

Matt Lucas, the co-star of Little Britain, told The Telegraph: "So sad to hear about Felix Dexter. A brilliant performer and on the few occasions I was lucky enough to meet him, a very nice man."

Others supporters took to Twitter to express their condolences for the comedian.

Just heard about the death of #FelixDexter,so sad,so early. Always made me laugh when I meet him & his TV/Radio work. Always will.

— James Whale (@THEJamesWhale) October 19, 2013

One of the very few who made me howl: #RIP #FelixDexter http://t.co/rukolrPZJX

— Omid Djalili (@omid9) October 19, 2013

RIP to a great comedian that inspired me very much from his days in The @bbccouk sketch show The Real McCoy. #FelixDexter #SadNews

— Jimmy Akingbola (@JimmyAkingbola) October 19, 2013

RIP Felix Dexter - a comedy legend http://t.co/jJ5jsxiglt #felixdexter

— Katy Brand (@KatyFBrand) October 19, 2013

Dexter was born in St. Kitts and moved to London at age 7. Before entering comedy, Dexter studied law, which he said helped him deal with hecklers.

During his run on "The Real McCoy" from 1991 to 1996, Dexter created a number of popular characters, such Nathaniel the Nigerian accountant and the outspoken pastor, Brother Jeffers.

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