LONDON (AP) — Clive James, an Australian journalist, joker and intellectual who had a long career as a writer and broadcaster, has died. He was 80.

James’ representatives, United Agents, said he died Sunday at his home in Cambridge, and a private funeral was held Wednesday.

James been diagnosed with leukemia and emphysema, and he suffered kidney failure in 2010.

The poet, essayist, author and entertainer had a gift for tickling the divergent sensibilities of the readers of highbrow literary magazines and the audiences of Saturday night TV in Britain, his adopted country.

"I am a man who is approaching his terminus," James said in 2012. He later assured well-wishers that he intended to live a few more years — and he did, continuing to write and broadcast until almost the end.