Kiwi comedian David McPhail of legendary duo McPhail and Gadsby has passed away

Actor and comedian David McPhail has died at the age of 76.

McPhail, one half of the legendary duo McPhail and Gadsby, died in Christchurch overnight. He had been living at the Merivale Retirement Village.

McPhail's son Matt posted on Facebook this 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 cliché sometimes, but its dead right this time - he was one of nature's gentlemen and terribly gifted one at that," McVeigh said.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.