Comedian Eric Sykes dies aged 89

[ukaviator]

Eric Sykes, one of Britain's best-loved comedy actors and writers, has died at the age of 89, his manager has said.

 

"Eric Sykes, 89, star of TV, stage and films, died peacefully this morning after a short illness," said Norma Farnes. "His family were with him." Sykes found fame in a series of TV sitcoms from the 1950s, including Sykes And A... alongside Hattie Jacques. Sir Bruce Forsyth paid tribute to the star, calling him "one of the greats of comedy in this country". "He was universally loved here," the entertainer continued. "He was just one of the funniest men ever."

 

Comedian Stephen Fry wrote on Twitter: "Oh no! Eric Sykes gone? An adorable, brilliant, modest, hilarious, innovative and irreplaceable comic master. Farewell, dear, dear man." League of Gentlemen star Mark Gatiss said: "The wonderful Eric Sykes has left us. A giant of comedy and a gentleman - funny to his very core. RIP." Comic Robin Ince paid tribute to "the last link to many of the most important early post war comedians" and "a great entertainer".

 

More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18704263

[AndyOrch]

Great shame and with sadness

 

Not many true great comedians left.

[ukaviator]

I best remember him in the Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines along with Terry Thomas. What a great team up that was..

[maroondevo52]

The Plank, classic

[HSBCrusher]

just bought a copy on amazon... brilliant film.

[zydeco]

Always remember his tv series Sykes and .... with Hatti Jacques and Deryck Guyler.

And also proud to come from the same town, Oldham.

 

"The Plank" Brilliant.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Sykes

Edited July 4, 2012 by zydeco
lost in translation

[caro]

That's really sad. His comedy spanned generations with good clean family comedy. RIP to a true gentleman.

[Raj111]

He always came across as a really nice man and he gave us (older folks, 50+) many years of laughs. I never thought I would hear myself say this but anyone could have watched his comedy shows, there was neither smut, bad language or anything that could have offended anybody. Maybe that's a bit old fashioned and not up to modern standards but it was the way it was and Eric Sykes will be remembered when all those in reality shows have sunk without trace.

 

 

All the truly great comic g eniuses are going, leaving us with the dross such as Russell Brand. God help British comedy from this point on!

 

The loss of a national treasure..........RIP Eric!