The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Panel show comedy favourite Sean Lock dies at 58
Comedian Sean Lock has died of cancer at the age of 58. The TV star, known for his surreal content and deadpan style, was a team captain on Jimmy Carr’s Channel 4 comedy panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats and spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
He also wrote and starred in the popular BBC sitcom 15 Storeys High.
A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions said: “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.
“Sean was one of Britain’s finest comedians. His boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work marked 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.”
Comedian Lee Mack, who was a close friend, paid tribute saying: “I’ve known this day was coming for some time, but it’s no less heartbreaking.
“A true original both in comedy and life. I will miss him so much.”
Carr said he had been “laughing and crying” at clips of the show since the news was announced.
He said on Twitter: “Brutal news about Sean Lock today. I loved him. I’m watching clips of him right now – laughing & crying. I will miss him so much”.
Born in Woking, Surrey, the comedy star left school in the early 1980s and began working on building sites but developed skin cancer, which he blamed on over-exposure to the sun. He made a full recovery and focused on a career in comedy.
One of his first professional TV appearances was in 1993, starring alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel on their signature TV show Newman And Baddiel In Pieces.
Lock also appeared on panel shows including Have I Got News for You, QI, and They Think It’s All Over.
In 2000 he won the gong for the best live stand-up comedian in the British Comedy Awards.