Leading celebrity publicist Neil Reading, described as 'quietly magnificent' and a 'one-off', has died aged 56 after a short illness. The entertainment PR to the stars founded Neil Reading PR and represented a host of high-profile clients including comedians Dawn French, John Cleese, the late Victoria Wood, John Bishop, Sir Lenny Henry, Paul McKenna and Jason Manford.
Heartfelt tributes from stars
In a heartfelt tribute, French said: 'Neil Reading was a one-off, such a kind, decent, intelligent man, a proper gentleman in the old-fashioned way, quietly magnificent.' She added: 'He has been my ally and fierce protector through so much and for so long. I don't quite know how I'll manage without him. Sleep tight darlin' heart.'
Manford praised him as a 'trusted friend of almost 20 years, a confidant and one of the most loyal, noble, brilliant men I have ever known.'
Career and legacy
Reading built a well-respected reputation across the TV industry since launching his agency in 1992. Neil Reading PR also launched a string of West End shows including High Society, Only Fools and Horses, and Fawlty Towers – The Play.
Bishop said: 'Neil was a true gentleman. He was too humble to realise how much he meant to people and I know he will be greatly missed.' McKenna called him 'one of the finest people I've ever known.'
More tributes
Monty Python's Cleese called him 'a very kind, protective, sensible and caring man, who looked after his clients with great skill' and said he shall 'miss him very much.' Piers Morgan shared that it was 'incredibly sad news,' adding: 'Neil was a brilliant PR man, one of the very best in the business who really cared about his clients. He was also fantastic fun, I had so many great times with him over the years. My deepest condolences to all his family.'
BBC contributor David Yelland said: 'Saddened to hear that Neil Reading has died, shockingly young, much love to his wife and daughter – he was so much more than a “PR guru” he cared so much about his clients and was decent and honest, a gentleman and a friend.' Keir Simmons shared: 'Neil Reading was honest, hard working, loyal and a true professional. He was also great fun. Most of all he was devoted to his family.'
Fellow PR man Neil Wallis called him 'a brilliant, true, loyal, brave & wonderful friend', sharing it was 'so so sad. I'm bereft, as will be anyone who had the joy of knowing him & being his friend.'
Reading is survived by his wife Claire and daughter Rosa.
