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British comedian Victoria Wood dead at 62

By Marilyn Malara

LONDON, April 20 (UPI) -- British comic, singer and writer Victoria Wood has died, her publicist said. She was 62 years old.

The celebrity, made famous for her sketch comedy talents on the TV program Dinnerladies, succumbed to her battle with cancer Wednesday in her north London home, according to BBC.

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Wood's older brother released a statement saying her death "robbed us of one of the brightest talents of our generation."

"It wasn't just that Victoria was hugely talented in so many different fields, she was also outstanding in her tremendous, single-minded drive and determination to pursue her chosen career," he said.

The comedian, who toured England for many years as a talented comic, has won a total of five Bafta awards and was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2008.

A slew of celebrities who either knew or were inspired by the deceased took to social media to express their sorrow Wednesday.

Comedian and television personality Ricky Gervais tweeted, "RIP the brilliant Victoria Wood. So innovative, funny and down to earth. This has not been a good year."

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Caitlin Moran also sent out a public message regarding Wood's death, saying watching her on television "made me think, 'Girls can do this.'"

Wood's family has publicly asked for privacy following her death, her publicist said.

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