Tony Husband, a BBC Children’s TV star, has died at the age of 73, according to his family.
The artist, well known for his work on the kids’ variety programme Hangar 17, died of a heart attack on Westminster Bridge in London on Wednesday while on his way to a Private Eye party.
Husband’s son Paul wrote on X on Thursday ‘it is with a torn apart heart’ that he announced the death of his father.
He also said on Facebook: ‘I hate to post this because I know how many of you are going to be affected by it.
‘Yesterday my Dad, Tony Husband, passed away as he was on his way to a Private Eye leaving party on a Thames barge. Something that meant a hell of a lot to him.
‘He had a heart attack on Westminster Bridge. It’s somewhat ironic that he somehow managed to survive 30 years of Private Eye parties but the one he didn’t make…
‘I don’t know what more I can say other than he was everything to me and everything want to be. This is the very last cartoon he made. Sent to his mate Nick Newman on the train down cause he thought he would be late.’
The drawing depicted a guy waving to a boat in Westminster.
Husband had a successful media career, including appearances on Hangar 17 in the 1990s, which starred Take That and East 17.
He also contributed to the satirical ITV children’s show Round The Bend.
Husband also created cartoons for The Times, Punch, Playboy, The Sunday Express, The Spectator, The Sun, and Private Eye, in addition to television.
While sharing a drawing of dogs in heaven by Husband, Private Eye paid tribute to him on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘RIP cartoonist Tony Husband – prolific, funny and inventive contributor to Private Eye since 1985.’
It is with a torn apart heart that I must announce the passing of my Dad. The beautiful @tonyhusband1 pic.twitter.com/TvnItOCSkL
— Paul Husband (@PaulHusband_) October 19, 2023
RIP cartoonist Tony Husband – prolific, funny and inventive contributor to Private Eye since 1985. pic.twitter.com/7rqegM9bLV
— Private Eye Magazine (@PrivateEyeNews) October 19, 2023
Joke writer for Private Eye Tom Jamieson also wrote on X: ‘Tony was of course mentioned in (editor) Ian’s (Hislop) speech on the boat and got a huge cheer. Such tragic news. A fabulously funny cartoonist.’
Illustrator Stanley Chow shared: ‘It is of great sadness to hear that my dear friend Tony Husband passed away last night.
‘One of Britain’s greatest cartoonists. He was such a legend, yet so humble. But most all, just one of the kindest and soundest soul you’ll ever meet. May you rest in peace Tony.’
