Ian Cognito Dead: Stand-Up Comedian Dies On Stage

He was performing in Bicester when he fell ill.

Stand-up comedian Ian Cognito has died while on stage.

The comic was performing at the Lone Wolf Comedy Club in Bicester, Oxfordshire, on Thursday when he fell ill.

Speaking to the BBC, an audience member said Ian stopped mid-way through his performance but the crowd “thought Cognito was going to do something as part of the act, but after a while nothing happened”.

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed that Ian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ian Cognito, pictured here in 2013
Ian Cognito, pictured here in 2013
Facebook

Ian was known as one of the most outrageous and controversial comics on the stand-up scene, having never appeared on TV during his 30-year career.

For that reason, he would often declare himself the “undecorated hero of the British comedy frontline”, although he did win the Time Out Award for Stand-up Comedy in 1999.

Many comedians from the circuit were quick to pay tribute to Ian on social media, following the news of his death.

Former Celebrity Juice star Rufus Hound said comedy had “lost one of the greats”, while I’m A Celebrity star Shappi Khorsandi called him “one of the people who made this job brilliant from the very beginning”.

Ian Cognito has died.

That might not mean much to you if your knowledge of stand-up only extends to a screen but for anyone who ever sat down in a comedy club and saw him on a stage - this is a hard one.
Puck grew up and now Puck is dead.
We have lost one of the greats. Shit.

— Rufus Hound 🌨 (@RufusHound) April 12, 2019

Such a sad shock. Ian Cognito has died. One of the people who made this job brilliant from the very beginning has gone. I got so excited to be on bills with him and watch him work and have a beer after. And those eyes! Those beautiful eyes. Much love to all friends and family xx

— Shappi Khorsandi (@ShappiKhorsandi) April 12, 2019

Just seen the news about Ian Cognito and have instantly welled up. He was the kindest, friendliest person and when you saw you were on a bill with him it brought you joy. So fucking funny. Loved how he called everyone ‘love’. Love you Cogs, love. RIP pal

— Lloyd Griffith (@LloydGriffith) April 12, 2019

Just heard about Ian Cognito, I saw him one once in stage years ago and was in awe, he was as epic as his reputation. Rebellious and brilliant. I heard he passed away after being on stage. He even died like a fucking legend. Far far too soon. Love to his family.

— Luisa Omielan (@luisaomielan) April 12, 2019

A sad day for comics today. The great Ian Cognito passed away last night. All of us Bristol and West Comics were very lucky to have him living in this part of the world. One the most charismatic performers and men (most of the time) I ever met.

— Mark Olver (@markolver) April 12, 2019

A sad day for the comedy community. He was a legend of the circuit. Funny and unique. Incredible writer and performer. https://t.co/M9Pv6G7j8F

— Joe Bor (@josephbor) April 12, 2019

Say it ain’t so. Ian Cognito has died. Rare breed of human and stand up.

— Christian O'Connell (@OC) April 12, 2019

Sad to hear about Ian Cognito. I hung with him a good few times in the past, and he was always fascinating and hilarious company. RIP Cogs

— Katy Brand (@KatyFBrand) April 12, 2019
Close

What's Hot