Culture
18 Aug 21

Tributes pour in for British comedian Sean Lock, who has died aged 58

Lock was known for his deadpan style, appearing on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI, The Last Leg, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Have I Got News for You, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

Comedian Sean lock has sadly passed away at the age of 58 from cancer, his agent confirmed this morning.

The 8 out of 10 Cats and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown comic was surrounded by his family, Off the Kerb Productions confirmed.

"It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock. He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family," the production company stated this morning.

Lock was known for his lightning quick wit and the absurdist brilliance, marking him out as a unique voice in British comedy.

"Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children. Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him. We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children is respected at this difficult time," his agent commented.

Tributes have poured in, with comedian Lee Mack, a close friend of Lock’s, saying:

"I’ve known this day was coming for some time, but it’s no less heart-breaking. A true original both in comedy and life. I will miss him so much."

Lock’s 8 Out of 10 Cats co-star Jon Richardson also shared his idolisation of the comedian.

"I idolised Sean as a comic long before I became a comedian myself and ten years working alongside him didn’t diminish that in the least. An incredible comic brain and a truly unique voice."

"I’m devastated for his family today and sad for comedy that we have lost one of the very best," Richardson tweeted. "Undisputed, undefeated, carrot in a box champion. I will miss him."

I idolised Sean as a comic long before I became a comedian myself and ten years working alongside him didn’t diminish that in the least. An incredible comic brain and a truly unique voice. pic.twitter.com/4ZH8HRQrIU

— Jon Richardson (@RonJichardson) August 18, 2021

"I wish I had the words to describe the exceptional man that was Sean Lock. But today I don’t, and I think he might have liked it that way," Susie Dent tweeted.

Richard Osman added: "Over 15 years producing 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Sean Lock made me laugh so much and so often. A unique and brilliant comic voice. Love to his family and his many friends #RIPSean."

Eddie Izzard also reflected on Lock's talent as a veteran of the industry: "So sorry to hear this. Farewell Sean, you brought a wonderful comedic talent to the world and you will be missed."

Known for his surreal content and deadpan style, Lock also appeared on QI, The Last Leg, Have I Got News for You, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

In 2000, he won Best Live Stand-Up at the British Comedy Awards. He had previously made one of his first professional TV appearances in 1993, starring alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel on their signature TV show Newman And Baddiel In Pieces.

"Devastated to hear about Sean Lock," Baddiel tweeted today. "He toured with Newman and Baddiel on our last show together. One of the funniest men I ever knew."

He script-edited the 1998 BBC Two series, Is It Bill Bailey? and had his own show on BBC Radio 4 called 15 Minutes Of Misery, which was later expanded into TV series 15 Storeys High.

In 2005 Lock became a regular team captain on the panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats, a role he held for 18 impressive, hilarious series.

Between 2006 and 2007, he hosted Channel 4 series, TV Heaven, Telly Hell, in which he invited celebrities to share their own selection of TV’s triumphs and tragedies.

Fellow tributes below arrived from the likes of Ricky Gervais, Kevin Bridges and Stephanie Hirst.

Incredibly sad to learn of the loss of one of our greatest comedians, Sean Lock. A much loved part of the C4 family he’s played a huge role on the channel for over 2 decades, and we’ll miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/HrT6mjZLjT

— Channel 4 (@Channel4) August 18, 2021

Truly saddened at the passing of the brilliant Sean Lock. His brilliance will be sorely missed. The amount of times I’ve almost wet myself laughing at him is countless.

Sleep well Sean.

I genuinely couldn’t stop laughing for days at this.pic.twitter.com/PWrY3LC85s

— Stephanie Hirst (@StephanieHirst) August 18, 2021

Sean Lock; A brilliant comedian, obviously, but just a genuinely hilarious guy too and one of the soundest guys in comedy, from when I first started to when we last had a laugh together. Very sad news.

— Kevin Bridges (@kevinbridges86) August 18, 2021

Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man. 💔

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 18, 2021