John Fortune ( born John C. Wood ; 30 June 1939 -- 31 December 2013 ) was an English satirist , comedian , writer , and actor , best known for his work with John Bird and Rory Bremner on the TV series `` Bremner , Bird and Fortune '' .
John Fortune ( 30 June 1939 -- 31 December 2013 ) was a British satirist , comedian , writer and actor . He was best known for his work with John Bird and Rory Bremner on the television series `` Bremner , Bird and Fortune '' .