Britain’s well-loved comedian Eric Sykes dies at 89

Eric Sykes, one of the beloved comedy actors and writers in Britain, has died after a short illness.

16:47 05 July 2012

Eric Sykes, one of the beloved comedy actors and writers in Britain, has died after a short illness. He was 89. 

The news was announced by his manager, Norma Farnes. She described the comedian’s last moments as peaceful and shared, “His family were with him.” 

Sykes began his career in the 1950s when he starred in a series of TV series such as Sykes and A. The Oldham-born comedian, however, did not start his career onscreen, but rather, behind the scenes, writing radio material for other comedians like Tony Hancock, Frankie Howerd, and The Goon Show.

In 1956, however, he finally debuted in his own TV show called Dress Rehearsal, followed by Sykes and A, where he partnered with Hattie Jacques, in 1960, as well as Sykes, a follow-up, in 1972. In 1969, he also starred in the controversial Curry and Chips alongside Spike Milligan. His last TV sitcom was The Nineteenth Hole, which broadcast in 1989.  

Aside from his TV appearances, Sykes also produced a virtually silent slapstick movie entitled The Plank. The 1967 short film paired him with Tommy Cooper. The film became a landmark of visual comedy. 

More recently, he appeared in The Others with Nicole Kidman and as a caretaker in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. He also appeared in a variety of plays. 

His death caused a lot of members of the entertainment industry to pay tribute to the well-known comedian.