Chris Langham, the actor and writer known for his role as the bumbling government minister Hugh Abbott in the BBC political satire The Thick of It, has died at the age of 77 from pancreatic cancer. His portrayal of Abbott, a hapless secretary of state in the fictional Department of Social Affairs, was a central part of the show's early seasons, where he was often outmaneuvered by his advisors and civil servants. The Sunday Times once called him "a master at acting the guy missing the point, out of his depth and striving to keep his head above water while sharks nibble his nether regions." Langham's career took a dramatic turn in 2005 when he was arrested for downloading child pornography. He denied the charges in court two years later, claiming he was researching material for a future episode of his show Help and had been sexually abused as a child. He said watching the videos was an attempt to "reach something that I was blocking out." Despite his claims, he was found guilty on all 15 counts and sentenced to 10 months in prison, later reduced to six months on appeal. After his release, he struggled to find work, telling The Guardian in 2011, "Everybody in the country hates me – and I can’t get a job." Langham had a long and varied career in television and film, beginning with roles in Spike Milligan’s surreal TV programs such as Milligan In… (1973) and Q5 (1975). He was a scriptwriter on The Muppet Show from 1978 to 1981 and shared in a Primetime Emmy award in 1981. He appeared in films like The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976), Life of Brian (1979), and Carry on Columbus (1992), as well as television shows such as Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe (1985), Bergerac (1989), and Making Out (1990). Despite personal struggles, including alcoholism and cocaine addiction, which led to his dismissal from Not the Nine O’Clock News in 1979, Langham continued to work in satire. After time in rehab, he returned to the genre, writing and appearing in shows like Alas Smith & Jones and Look at the State We’re In! (1995). He co-created the BBC sitcom Kiss Me Kate (1998–2001) and the BBC Radio 4 mockumentary People Like Us (1995–97), later adapted for television. He also co-created the BBC sitcom Help (2005), in which he played Peter Strong, alongside Paul Whitehouse. Langham was recognized for his work with awards, including a best comedy performance title at the 2006 Bafta awards for The Thick of It and a best comedy programme or series award for Help. Born in London to Michael Langham, a director in repertory theatre, and Helen Burns, an actor, Langham attended St Paul’s school in Barnes while his parents worked in North America. He left an English and drama course at Bristol University after a nervous breakdown caused by his parents' divorce. He is survived by his second wife, Christine Cartwright, a choreographer, whom he married in 1991, their children Emily and Harry, and three sons, Siencyn, Dafydd, and Glyn, from his first marriage.