Comedian Jeremy Hardy died of cancer early this morning at the age of 57, his publicist Amanda Emery confirmed.

Hardy frequently appeared on panel shows on BBC Radio 4 like The News Quiz and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue and rose to prominence for his sharp and award-winning comedy in the '80s.

Hardy could also be seen on television shows like QI and Now – Something Else, and wrote columns in The Guardian and ES Magazine. Hardy, a lifelong-socialist, was politically outspoken and unwavering in his positions even when it landed him in hot water.

Hardy is survived by his wife, filmmaker and photographer Katie Barlow, and his daughter Betty.

"Friends and family of comedian Jeremy Hardy are immensely sad to announce that Jeremy died of cancer, early on Friday 1st February," said publicist Emery in a statement. "He was with his wife and his daughter as he died. He retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny."

"He will be enormously missed by so many, who were inspired by him and who laughed with him," said Emery.

Many tributes for Hardy have been shared on social media.

pic.twitter.com/thuBlIviwa

— Sandi Toksvig (@sanditoksvig) February 1, 2019

Saddened to lose our good & loyal friend Jeremy Hardy. As well as being a brilliant comedian, whenever the call for solidarity went out, Jeremy courageously supported campaigns for social justice from the Guildford 4, the miners strike to the plight of refugees. We all loved him.

— John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) February 1, 2019

Utterly heartbroken to have to say goodbye to Jeremy Hardy. He was so very kind and supportive of me, I’ve had so many laughs sat next to him on the News Quiz and even more in the pub afterwards. So much love and strength to his family. Night Jeremy, cheers for the laughs xxx

— Angela Barnes (@AngelaBarnes) February 1, 2019

Jeremy Hardy was a dear, lifelong friend. He always gave his all for everyone else and the campaigns for social justice.

You made us all smile. You made us all think.

Rest in peace, Jeremy. pic.twitter.com/9ClbaPyDO0

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 1, 2019

Sad beyond measure that Jeremy Hardy died this morning. Unfussy, unshowy, principled, self-deprecating, hugely loved & admired by his fellow comedians, and funnier than the lot of us put together. A unique comedian & a lovely man.

— Rory Bremner 💙🇺🇦 (@rorybremner) February 1, 2019

My dearest friend @JeremyJHardy left us early this morning. I was so lucky to have spent 35 years arseing about with him. Knowing him as I did, I know he wouldn't want you to be sad, he'd want you to be bloody devastated x

— Mark Steel (@mrmarksteel) February 1, 2019

Emery said that a memorial for Hardy will be held and will announce details soon.