Comedian Tony dies after break
One of the Black Country's best-loved comedians, who had people rolling with laughter for more than 30 years, has died suddenly just hours after returning home from holiday. One of the Black Country's best-loved comedians, who had people rolling with laughter for more than 30 years, has died suddenly just hours after returning home from holiday. Fellow performers and the heartbroken wife of Tony Palmer have paid tribute to the "much-loved" entertainer who died recently from heart failure at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley after becoming ill while on holiday in Greece. The 67-year-old complained of feeling ill to his wife, Anne, towards the end of a two-week break on the island of Kos. He was taken to hospital the day after the couple returned to their Halesowen home and died of heart failure on Friday.
Fellow performers and the heartbroken wife of Tony Palmer have paid tribute to the "much-loved" entertainer who died recently from heart failure at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley after becoming ill while on holiday in Greece.
The 67-year-old complained of feeling ill to his wife, Anne, towards the end of a two-week break on the island of Kos.
He was taken to hospital the day after the couple returned to their Halesowen home and died of heart failure on Friday.
Mrs Palmer, who also acted as her husband's manager, said she had been left devastated and could not believe he was gone, just days after they had been enjoying themselves.
She said: "He'd been working hard recently so the holiday was a chance to spend some time together and get away from it all.
"I've been inundated with calls from friends and relatives and his showbiz colleagues. He was a man who was loved by everyone and was a born funnyman with a natural talent."
Fellow comedian Chris 'Nipper' Thomas said: "It's come as a terrible shock.
"He really was a down-to-earth Black Country lad through and through and what you saw was what you got. He was as funny off-stage as he was on it.
"He was simply one of the best comics in the Black Country and a great mate."
Tony began his career as lead singer with local band Digger and the Diggermen before he became a stand-up comedian.
An early appearance on TV's New Faces then gave millions of viewers a taste of his humour. A lifelong West Bromwich Albion fan and keen golfer, his participation at celebrity tournaments all round the country helped to raise thousands of pounds for charities.
