Friends and peers have since paid tribute to the star, who was famed for his array of hilarious Real McCoy characters, including Nathaniel the Nigerian accountant and outspoken pastor Brother Jeffers.
Fellow Real McCoy star Eddie Nestor posted on Facebook: “This afternoon Felix Dexter passed from this world. May his soul rest in peace.”
Comedy promoter John Simmitt said: “RIP Mr Dexter, you talented and very private man. Sleep well bro”.
Comedian and radio presenter Kojo posted: “RIP to comedy legend Felix Dexter. I will always remember watching you on The Real McCoy and working with you.”
Dexter’s other TV credits include Absolutely Fabulous, Bellamy’s People and Citizen Khan.
The 52-year-old had long been suffering from multiple myeloma, an incurable bone marrow cancer.
Dexter came to prominence on Nineties TV sketch show The Real McCoy and was seen on TV just hours before his death was confirmed in the BBC One sitcom Citizen Khan, where he played Omar, a Somalian Muslim who works at the mosque.
His other credits include Down The Line, 15 Storeys High, Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You, The Fast Show and Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge.
He continued to play the live circuit throughout his career, and also starred as a stage actor, appearing in the 2006 Edinburgh and West End runs of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest with Christian Slater and a season of three of the Bard’s plays in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Social networks have been awash with tributes from his friends and fellow comics.
John Simmit, who worked closely with Dexter on the comedy circuit. posted online: ‘I knew I’d be writing this soon, but it doesn’t make it any easier. RIP Felix Dexter, you talented & very private man. Sleep well bro’.
Fellow Real McCoy star Eddie Nestor posted on Facebook: ‘This afternoon Felix Dexter passed from this world. May his soul rest in peace.’
Shappi Khorsandi said: ‘Just heard Felix Dexter has passed away. He was one of THE most supportive comics to us new open spots and a world class performer. RIP’
And Danny Wallace added: ‘Terrible news about Felix Dexter. Oh, man. That’s so sad. He was an extremely nice, extremely talented man.’
Sean Hughes said: ‘So so sad to hear about the truly wonderful Felix Dexter passing away. I hope you can feel the love in the comedy community fella. Rip.’
Born in St Kitts in the West Indies, he moved to London with his family at the age of seven. He studied law, but gave up training as a barrister to become a comedian.
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