Rob Grant, creator of Red Dwarf, has died

Source: Hacker News

Tributes

Rob Grant, the comedy writer best known as the co‑creator of the long‑running sitcom Red Dwarf, has passed away at the age of 70. A cause of death has not been made public.

From fellow cast and crew

• Craig Charles (Lister) posted on X:
  “Earlier today I was informed of the passing of @realrobgrant. I am in total shock. He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. A visionary. My heart goes out to his family and friends. The impact he and Doug had on the course of my life is immeasurable. RIP ROB.”

• Cameron Yarde wrote:
  “RIP Rob Grant. Co‑creator of Red Dwarf with Doug Naylor, wrote for Spitting Image in its early years including The Chicken Song and wrote on the excellent Carrott’s Lib. That’s not just a career, that’s a legacy.”

• The Official Red Dwarf Facebook page stated:
  “We are devastated to learn of Rob’s passing and send love to his family and friends. He will always live on through his amazing creativity, storytelling and humour. Travel well, Sir.”

Career Highlights

• Red Dwarf emerged from a sketch on the radio show Son of Cliché and launched on the BBC in 1988, making stars of Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Robert Llewellyn, Danny John‑Jules, Hattie Hayridge, and Norman Lovett. The series was later revived on Dave and continues to attract a devoted audience.
• Grant co‑wrote Spitting Image with Doug Naylor, contributing iconic pieces such as The Chicken Song.
• He also wrote for Jasper Carrot’s BBC show Carrot’s Lib.
• Other TV series include The Strangerers and Dark Ages.
• Grant authored several novels and, after a 30‑year hiatus, his first new Red Dwarf novel, Titan (co‑credited to Andrew Marshall), was announced for publication in July. Details are available on Amazon UK.

Personal Note

I worked with Rob and Doug to write The Official Red Dwarf Companion. I found them both to be great company, a superb double act, and, above all, devoted to the art of making people laugh.