Duncan Norvelle, the beloved British comedian known for his catchy catchphrase “chase me!” and vibrant personality, has passed away at 66.
His death comes after a long and difficult journey following a stroke he suffered over a decade ago, which left half of his body paralyzed.
Despite the immense challenges, Duncan showed incredible resilience in his recovery, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.
A Life Changed by Stroke
In April 2012, Duncan’s life was dramatically altered when he suffered a stroke, leaving him unable to walk or speak properly.
Doctors were unsure if he would ever fully recover.
Yet, Duncan’s determination shone through as he fought hard to regain his mobility and speech.
“I saw a lot of stroke patients give up, but I was determined to get better and live my life,” he shared after his recovery.
His journey of recovery involved 18 months in the hospital, where he re-learned to speak and move.
It wasn’t just the physical toll of the stroke that was alarming.
Duncan also discovered that high blood pressure had contributed significantly to the event.
He urged others to get their blood pressure checked regularly, warning that strokes could be life-threatening.
“It’s a killer, and I consider myself one of the lucky ones,” he said after his recovery.
Support from Loved Ones
Throughout his recovery, Duncan had the unwavering support of his girlfriend, Linda Trevallion, who had been by his side for the past decade.
Linda recalled the shock of seeing him in the hospital.
“I was told he’d had a heart attack. When I saw him, his face had fallen, and he couldn’t lift his head,” she shared, reflecting on the severity of his condition.
Her love and care were essential to his recovery, and they remained a close-knit couple until his passing.
In addition to Linda, Duncan was a proud father of three children: Jack, Sophie, and Yasmin.
His family was an important part of his life, and he cherished his time with them, particularly after his stroke.
A Comedic Icon
Duncan first rose to fame in the 1980s, appearing on popular ITV variety shows like Saturday Royal. His cheeky humor and unforgettable catchphrase made him a household name.
Despite the setbacks caused by his health, he returned to the stage in 2015 with a performance at the Embassy Theatre in Skegness.
This marked his first major show after a three-year break, and he donated proceeds from the event to the Stroke Association.
He also continued to entertain his fans through various projects, including a tour with the Ricky Tomlinson Laughter Show in 2008 and a role in Cinderella in Doncaster in 2009.
The Reality of Stroke: What It Is and How to Act
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage that can affect speech, movement, and other vital functions.
The symptoms of a stroke can happen suddenly and include facial weakness, arm weakness, and speech problems.
Duncan’s experience serves as a reminder to always be vigilant about health, especially when it comes to recognizing the warning signs of a stroke.
The key to managing a stroke is quick action, and remembering the word FAST—Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999—can help individuals recognize the symptoms and get medical help immediately.
Early intervention can make a significant difference in a person’s recovery.
Tributes and Final Words
Duncan’s passing has left a significant mark on the entertainment world.
One of the first to pay tribute was socialite Lizzie Cundy, who expressed her sadness on Twitter, reminiscing about how Duncan’s catchphrase had made her laugh.
“His famous trademark saying, ‘chase me chase me’ used to make me laugh so much. Sending all my love and thoughts to his family,” Lizzie shared.
Duncan Norvelle’s impact on British comedy and television will not be forgotten.
His humor, courage, and dedication to life in the face of hardship will continue to inspire both fans and fellow entertainers.
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