Comedian Guy Williams’ Dad Dies After Heart Attack While Swimming at Beach: ‘He Taught Us That a Laugh Was a Laugh’

Comedian Guy Williams has shared that his father, Gary “Gazza” Williams, died on Saturday, Nov. 8, following a heart attack while swimming at Kohimarama Beach in Auckland, New Zealand.

Guy honored his 72-year-old father in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday, Nov. 11, saying the medical emergency occurred in the water during a swim with friends.

First responders were alerted around 11:20 a.m. local time, as reported by New Zealand outlet Stuff. Gary was pulled from the water and given CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Guy later wrote on Facebook that his dad “went out in typical showman fashion,” adding that he chose Saturday afternoon for “maximum impact.” He expressed deep gratitude for fellow swimmers and members of the High Tide Swim Club who rushed to help and got his father onto a paddleboard. “I hope you’re not too shaken by the whole experience, dad never wanted to cause a fuss,” he wrote.

He also thanked firefighters, ambulance teams, and police for their efforts, saying they gave Gary “a VIP exit.”

Guy described Gary as “a beautiful, incredibly kind and friendly man” who brought happiness wherever he went. He reflected on childhood memories, recalling how his father always supported him and his siblings at events and celebrations. “I have cried a lot thinking happy thoughts about how lucky I was to have him as my father,” he added.

He credited their father for the family’s shared sense of humor, saying Gary taught them that “a laugh was a laugh!”

Guy also highlighted Gary’s passion for sports — he was a skilled cricket and table tennis player who represented Bermuda in the World Table Tennis Championships. He later coached Guy’s rugby and cricket teams. From him, players learned that “ability is one thing, reliability is everything.”

“Rest in peace Dad! Love you heaps,” Guy wrote.