Alan Simpson the writer behind Hancock’s Half Hour and Steptoe and Son dies aged 87
Simpson had been battling lung disease
ALAN Simpson the writer behind Hancock's Half Hour and Steptoe and Son has died aged 87.
Simpson, one half of the writing duo Galton and Simpson, died following a long battle with lung disease.
His manager Tessa Le Bars said: "Having had the privilege of working with Alan and Ray (Galton) for over 50 years, the last 40 as agent, business manager and friend, and latterly as Alan's companion and carer, I am deeply saddened to lose Alan after a brave battle with lung disease."
Galton and Simpson met in hospital after they were both diagnosed with tuberculosis as teenagers.
Galton and his family paid tribute in a joint statement, saying: "There are no words to express our sense of loss and sadness at the passing of Alan Simpson, Ray's partner and family friend over the last 70 years.
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"From their first attempts at humour in Milford Sanatorium, through a lifetime of work together, the strength of Alan and Ray's personal and professional bond was always at the heart of their success."
As well as their acclaimed work with Tony Hancock and Steptoe actors Harry H Corbett and Wilfrid Brambell, the duo also wrote TV, film and stage scripts for the likes of Frankie Howerd, Peter Sellers, Leonard Rossiter, Arthur Lowe and Les Dawson.
Comedy giants have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Simpson.
David Walliams wrote: "Alan Simpson was half of one of the greatest comedy writing duos of all time with Ray Galton 'Hancock' & 'Steptoe & Son' are masterpieces."
Steptoe and Son ran for eight series between 1962 and 1974 to great critical acclaim.
In 2013 the British Comedy Society unveiled a blue plaque to Simpson and Galton at the hospital where they met.
Last year both were awarded BAFTA fellowships.
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