Peter Cook died on 9 January 1995 in London, England. The British comedian, writer, and satirist was 58. Official records confirm cardiogenic shock as the primary cause, related to ischaemic heart disease. This verified explainer clarifies the status, date, and publicly available details of his death, while contextualising his career highlights and enduring influence on comedy. Readers receive a factual timeline, sourced attributions, and distinctions between confirmed information and speculation.
Status and cause of death
Public records confirm that Peter Cook died on 9 January 1995 in London. The stated cause was cardiogenic shock resulting from ischaemic heart disease. This is documented in official certificates and reported in authoritative biographies, establishing a clear status for inquiries about his death.
Biographical context and career highlights
Before examining the circumstances of his death, it is helpful to understand Cook’s stature in comedy and media. His work reshaped British satire and influenced subsequent generations of performers.
Key career milestones
- Co-founder of Private Eye, the British satirical magazine (1961).
- Member of the Beyond the Fringe revue, which achieved trans-Atlantic success in the early 1960s.
- Starred in the television series Not Only… But Also (1965–1970), pairing him with Dudley Moore.
- Continued stage, radio, and television work through the 1980s and early 1990s.
Timeline of final years and death
A chronological overview helps clarify the period leading to Peter Cook’s death and counters misinformation. The timeline below is drawn from verified biographies and reputable news archives.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Publication of Uncorrected Memoirs | Publicly candid reflections on career and health |
| 1994 | Known health challenges and hospitalisations | Context for later medical events |
| 9 January 1995 | Date of death | Official status confirmation |
| 1995 | Posthumous releases and tributes | Continued cultural influence |
Verified details and source types
The following table summarises key attributes of Peter Cook’s death, with source types that support each fact. This aids in distinguishing authoritative records from speculation.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | 9 January 1995 | Official death certificate and major obituaries |
| Location | London, England | Biographical records and contemporary reports |
| Age at death | 58 years old | Birth date cross-checked with death date |
| Primary cause | Cardiogenic shock (ischaemic heart disease) | Medical certification and authoritative biographies |
Common questions and clarity points
Inquiries about Peter Cook’s death often seek confirmation of the date, location, and cause. Clear answers grounded in public records reduce confusion and discourage unfounded claims.
- When did Peter Cook die? He died on 9 January 1995.
- How old was he? He was 58 years old at the time of death.
- Where did he die? He died in London, England.
- What was the medically recorded cause? Cardiogenic shock due to ischaemic heart disease.
Legacy and cultural influence
Cook’s impact extends beyond the factual circumstances of his death. His writing, performance style, and collaborations shaped much of the satirical and improvisational work that followed. Acknowledging this context helps explain why his status and contributions remain frequently referenced.
Attribution and reliability
Facts in this explainer are drawn from official records, reputable obituaries, and established biographies. When seeking confirmation of Peter Cook’s death, prioritising these source types ensures accuracy and avoids misinformation. Ongoing public interest benefits from clear, attributable reporting.
For ongoing queries about Peter Cook, focusing on verified records and transparent sourcing supports a reliable understanding of his life and death.