TRIBUTES have poured in for “incredible” and “absolute powerhouse” Scottish comedian Gary Little.
The award-winning stand-up comic, who was known for being “one of Scotland’s finest comedians”, has passed away aged 61.
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His tragic passing was announced on social media this evening.
While his cause of death has yet to be revealed, it is understood that he died while on a hill climb in Scotland, according to The Courier.
Gary turned his life around after being banged up in Scotland’s most notorious jail — and went on to become one of the country’s comedy circuit stalwarts.
And the kind-hearted comedian later dedicated some of his spare time to rescuing caged hens destined for slaughter and nursing them back to health in his garden in Glasgow.
He was due to perform at the Glee Club in Glasgow this weekend and then in Aberdeen next month.
The comedy community has taken to social media to pay their respects, and Kevin Bridges is leading tributes online that have poured in this evening.
Gary was one of the best stand-ups Scotland has ever produced, an absolute powerhouse of a comedian
The Glee Club in Glasgow
Sharing a photo of Gary on his Instagram story, he wrote: “RIP big Gary, very sad news.”
Iconic comedy club The Stand praised Gary for being “an incredible comic, huge personality and friend to many.”
In a post on Instagram, the club wrote: “We here at The Stand are utterly devastated to hear the news of the passing of big Gary Little.
“An incredible comic, huge personality and friend to many.
“We are lost for words, and he will be profoundly and sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends right now.
“There will be many a comic thinking about him tonight, telling stories and raising a glass. He would have liked that.”
The Some Laugh podcast also posted: “We’re absolutely gutted to learn of the passing of the legend Gary Little.
“Gary was one of the best stand-ups Scotland has ever produced, an absolute powerhouse of a comedian as well as a genuinely lovely guy with a heart of gold.
“It was a pleasure to learn from someone like Gary as we were all coming up on the comedy scene, and his episode an appearance on our live show are up there with the all-time moments of the pod.”
The Glee Club in Glasgow said: “We’re completely shocked and heartbroken to hear about the passing of our dear friend, Gary Little.
We are lost for words… There will be many a comic thinking about him tonight, telling stories and raising a glass. He would have liked that
The Stand
“Gary wasn’t just one of Scotland’s finest comedians, he was a true original. He had a huge heart, a razor sharp sense of humour, and a knack for making you feel like you’d known him forever.
“He could make an entire room feel like they were sitting with an old friend. He played our opening weekend, and was a permanent fixture at the venue ever since.
“Gary was due to perform with us this weekend and it’s difficult to put into words how much we will miss his presence, his humour and his friendship.
“We are deeply grateful for the years of memories, the countless laughs, and the privilege of working with him.
“There really was nobody else like him. We’ll miss him more than we can say.
“Rest easy Gary and thank you for every single laugh.”
‘SO REWARDING’
GARY Little knew all about being caged after two spells in the nick but years later he was only interested in setting free vulnerable birds.
At first glance, the imposing 6ft 2in shaven-headed comedian looked like a mobster’s henchman, but in truth, he had a heart of gold and an infectious laugh.
He had audiences in stitches with stories about his time in jail. Back in the 80s, he was sentenced to eight years for dealing ecstasy, but got out in four after good behaviour.
He was back inside some years later after flogging £50,000 of books on eBay while working in a publisher’s distribution centre.
They were destined to be pulped, and even the judge saw the funny side — by sparing him a lengthy sentence and even vowing to see him at the Edinburgh festival.
And after two spells in jail, the gentle giant became interested in looking after the vulnerable birds in 2020.
At the time, he told the Scottish Sun: “Put it this way, I’ve got plenty of nicknames ranging from the Birdman Of Barlinnie to Chicken Little. People laughed when I got hens in the garden then went on a bread-making course.
Despite the jokes, it’s a subject he liked to get serious about. He said: “If people could see the state of these wee things when I first get them, they would want to do something too.
“People who are really into their garden should think about this. Get yourself a wee coop and start looking after some hens and you’ll even get a couple of eggs. It’s so rewarding.”
Jo Caulfield shared: “Gary Little was a great comic and an amazing person to spend time with. We are all poorer for losing you, Gary.
“My love and sympathy to his family and loved ones.
“I will truly miss not seeing you backstage and never hearing that big mischievous laugh. Too soon. RIP my friend.”
Neil Bratchpiece, known as The Wee Man, said: “RIP the legend Big Gary Little. One of the best comedians to come out the country and one of the nicest guys to spend time with.
“Still absolutely reeling from the shock of this news, deepest condolences go to his family. Rest easy big man.”
Rob Kane posted: “Scottish comedy and the world have lost a legend today.
RIP the legend Big Gary Little. One of the best comedians to come out the country and one of the nicest guys to spend time with
Neil Bratchpiece
“Gary Little I could rhyme off hundreds of stories of the times we’ve spent backstage and in car journeys together, the big man’s stern gaze, his lack of tolerance for people over running on their time on stage, but most of all his warmth and empathy.
“I remember when I first compèred Jongleurs and he was opening, I could see his silhouette pacing around at the back of the room whilst I thought I was ‘smashing it’.
“He came up to after the opening section and ‘what you dain?!’ I was shocked and said ‘what?’ He replied ‘what you dain talkin to the front row at a Jongleurs’s gig? Nobody else can see them?!’
“He brought me back to earth with a bang and he was right. I wish every gig I done had a Big Gary at it and I hope he’s doubling up whenever he does his next gigs. RIP big man. Much respect and Love.”
Darren Connell said: “Scottish comedy lost a legend today — heartbreaking news. Gary was an absolute powerhouse.
“He hosted my first ever gig when I was 18 years old, and after a shocker of a set, he took me aside and told me to keep my head down, work hard, and not let it get to me.
“I’m glad he was kind enough to say that, and even more glad I listened. I’ve never forgotten it. Life is so short.”