Sir David Frost dies at 74: David Cameron, Stephen Fry and Krishnan Guru-Murthy lead tributes to broadcasting legend
Sir David Frost, a towering figure in UK media, has died at the age of 74 after a suspected heart attack.The broadcaster and journalist was a familiar face on UK television for decades as the host of The Frost Report and That Was The Week That Was among many other political and satirical programmes.Sir David gained international recognition with his ground-breaking 1977 interviews with former US president Richard Nixon, which were immortalised in Ron Howard's 2008 Academy Award-winning film Frost/Nixon.A statement on behalf of Sir David's family said: "His family are devastated and ask for privacy at this difficult time. A family funeral will be held in the near future and details of a memorial service will be announced in due course."Figures from media and politics, including prime minister David Cameron, expressed their tributes to Sir David on Twitter.
My heart goes out to David Frost's family. He could be - and certainly was with me - both a friend and a fearsome interviewer.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 1, 2013Terribly sad news of David Frost's death. A huge figure in broadcasting history whose work will long be studied.
— Krishnan Guru-Murthy (@krishgm) September 1, 2013Frost straddled politics, entertainment, world events and satire. There has been nobody else like him
— Krishnan Guru-Murthy (@krishgm) September 1, 2013"I let down my friends. I let down the country" Nixon to Frost. David Frost RIP
— Nicky Campbell (@NickyAACampbell) September 1, 2013Awful news about Sir David Frost. Was with him recently. In Broadcasting ,The Daddy of them all ! Such an influence on me and a true Gent.
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) September 1, 2013Frostie was a Giant to me in an industry now full of Pygmies.Broadcasting will never see his like again.The.King of versatility
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) September 1, 2013Thoughts with family & friends of Sir David Frost. Enjoyed being interviewed by him. A real pioneer of broadcast journalism.
— FM Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) September 1, 2013Oh heavens, David Frost dead? No!! I only spoke to him on Friday and he sounded so well. Excited about a house move, full of plans … how sad
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) September 1, 2013