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My tribute to Felix Dexter
I was an open spot at the time and Felix was already a thoroughbred comic. A headliner and circuit star. Playing all the clubs and always closing. Cleaning up as we say.
I loved his act. A well spoken and ultra cool black guy. He always wore cool clothes. He was tall and too handsome to be a comic and the women loved him – and he loved them back in return. Loads of them. I admired him so much.
As I became more established we quickly became friends. Many of the tweets mentioning his death have mentioned his generosity – something which I can relate to.
Whilst stand up comics enjoy a sort of fraternal bond – we also have a tendency to suffer from jealousies. Gore Vidal famously said – when a friend of mine becomes successful, a part of me dies. This is something that prominently applies to comedians – average comics slagging off Michael McIntyre is a good example to which my response is always the same – then you make people laugh as much as Michael does and you too can fill the O2 and your boots.
At the height of my powers, I was on television a lot and regularly on the Clive James Show. I appeared on one episode with Eddie Izzard and did my British Gas routine – which I guess is the best routine I have ever managed.
Felix watched the show go out and called me straight away. He was excited for me. He told me how much he had enjoyed my set and what might be ahead for me. I was incredibly heartened and touched and I have never forgotten it.
It didn’t all go easily for Felix. Like most comics, his form came in fits and starts and I can recall some sets where he looked lost and uncomfortable on stage. But equally, when he was on it – he was a formidable act. Happily the last time I saw him was at the Bearcat Comedy Club and he ripped it.
I had no idea that Felix was even ill – a factor of our fractured circuit these days – something which all of us lament. I learnt of his passing on twitter – and I knew that 140 characters would be insufficient.
He will be much missed is a cliché – but one which absolutely applies. Every comic who worked with Felix will be feeling his loss and I expect that each will pause to reflect on how serious we take being funny and that it is not as important as we think.
lovely tribute Dominic……thanks for writing it
Martin and Viv
Hey Martin – thanks for finding it – I am still a little numb and very saddened – let me know if you hear of any funeral or service
A lovely tribute Dom. I met him many times over the course of 20 years and I will always remember the warmth and big heartedness of such a fine gentleman.
good man Steve – trust you’re well and thriving
I second all of this. Thanks Dominic.
xp
my pleasure Pete – albeit a piece I would rather not have needed to write – but there we are…
Good words about Felix and many true points made
hey Keith – cheers mate – been ages and I hope you’re well
Thank you for writing that, Dominic. Pretty much my own feelings about Felix, mate.
Blimey Jim – been years – lovely to hear from you – and thanks for your comment – albeit in shite circumstances – let me know if there is a service we can all get to
Thanks Dominic 2 days before his death I was alone cooking breakfast and a Jim Reeves song came on the radio and I started laughing because it reminded me of a routine Felix used to do about his Mother always singing Jim Reeves songs and I thought O I haven’t seen Felix In 2 years wondering what he was up to and then the horrible news .A real gentleman as you say Im kinda lost for words x.
Hey Noel – Felix would love the idea of all of these old comics reconnecting all of a sudden. Hope you are well
Lovely words Dominic.
thank you Charmian – lovely words for a lovely bloke who we will all miss
Great stuff Dominic (separately: I’m gonna buy all your merch too! -true)
good ole Matt Hardy –