'A truly beautiful man': Actor and comedian David McPhail dies aged 76 13 May, 2021 09:22 PM 6 minutes to read David McPhail as Rob Muldoon. Photo / Delaunay Enterprises Actor and comedian David McPhail has died at the age of 76. McPhail, one half of the legendary duo McPhail and Gadsby, died in Christchurch overnight. He had been living at the Merivale Retirement Village. McPhail's son Matt posted on Facebook this morning: "It is with the deepest sadness that I share with you the news that our wonderful husband, father and grandfather David McPhail died in his sleep last night. He leaves a great big hole in our lives but not in our hearts. A truly beautiful man."