Dawn French says she has been left in 'utter shock' following the death of Rik Mayall earlier this week.
Dawn - who starred with Rik in the cult comedy series 'Comic Strip Presents' - says the comedian and actor's death has also been a 'wake up call' for her.
Speaking on 'BBC Breakfast', the 'Vicar Of Dibley' star expressed her sadness for his family.
"I'm very sorry for his family's loss," she told presenter Charlie Stayt.
"We made like 45 films or something together but a lot of my favourite moments were at lunchtime with Rik being very irreverent and rude."
Dawn French
Rik's wife, Barbara, revealed on Thursday that her husband had suffered an "acute cardiac event" after returning from a morning run on Monday.
Dawn, who at 56 is the same age as Rik Mayall was when he died, admitted that his death had made her think about her own mortality.
"He's the first of our gang to die and so I'm certainly having a bit of a wake-up call.
"It just reminds me to live every minute properly - to properly inhabit my life as well as I can."
Rik Mayall, who died on Monday morning at the age of 56
Yesterday Rik's wife thanked fans and friends for their support, saying: "We always knew that Rik was well loved, but we are all overwhelmed by so many joining us in our grief.
"I am sure that you all know Rik's response would be something along the lines of.....' well thanks very much all of you.............now f*** off!!!'"
The post-mortem examination carried out to determine the death of the comedy star had earlier proved to be inconclusive.
