Kit Hesketh-Harvey, the celebrated cabaret star and prolific composer, has passed away at the age of 65. The musician, who was half of the musical comedy duo Kit and the Widow, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully while listening to Radio 3 and preparing for a show. Friends, admirers, and other artists have been flooding in to pay their respects after hearing the news of his death, which has sent shockwaves through the entertainment business.
Early Life and Education
Kit was born in Nyasalan in 1957 to a family of diplomats. He was educated at Canterbury Cathedral and Tonbridge School in Kent before attending Clare College, Cambridge, where he was a member of the famous Footlights drama society. The Footlights is famous for producing a number of famous comedians, including Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson.
A career in Music and Comedy
His musical comedy duet, Kit and the Widow, with pianist Richard Sisson, performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and internationally, often opening for Joan Rivers. The pair also starred in their own radio and television programs on Radios 3 and 4, as well as two Channel 4 specials. Kit collaborated with the Widow, but he also composed, adapted, and translated a lot of operas and musicals. He collaborated on the script for the second episode of the British comedy series The Vicar of Dibley and translated the Grammy Award–nominated The Bartered Bride for the Royal Opera House.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2011, Kit co-starred in the first BBC Comedy prom at the Royal Albert Hall with James McConnel, marking a new chapter in his career. Every year, he also played the villain in the Guildford pantomime. He just divorced his wife of 35 years, Bond girl and actress Kate Rabett. Two kids were born to them.
Tributes from the Entertainment Industry
Kit’s death has been met with an outpouring of love and admiration from the entertainment industry. Tim Rice, the legendary composer, paid tribute to Kit, saying:
“Tragic news that Kit Hesketh Harvey has died. Delightful fellow, charming, witty, the lyricist’s lyricist, a cross between Michael Flanders & Stephen Sondheim. And a fine musician. And fun on Barbados beaches or at Savoy lunches. And much more. RIP.”
Conclusion
Kit’s death comes as a double blow to his family, who are also searching for Sarah Sands’ former husband, British actor Julian Sands, who went missing while hiking in California. Kit’s sister Sarah Sands, a former editor of the Evening Standard, spoke of her shock at her brother’s death, saying:
“Kit was dazzling – clever, original, funny, kind. The last time I saw him, he was busy mapping out pilgrim routes across Norfolk; there was always the next adventure, the next joke. He gave and gave and gave.”
Kit Hesketh Harvey’s life and career were a testament to his talent, his wit and his generosity of spirit. He will be remembered as a cabaret star, a composer and a screenwriter who brought laughter, joy and music into the lives of so many people. His passing will leave a void, but his name will endure.
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