8 out of 10 Cats cast members and other comedians pay tribute to a legend
The sudden news of comedian Sean Lock’s passing has caught everyone off-guard. The 58-year-old was announced to have died from a little-known cancer diagnosis this morning.
He was said to have passed away at home, surrounded by his family. As the news broke, the tributes and well wishes to his family flooded in online, including from fellow 8 out of 10 Cats cast members such as Jon Richardson and Susie Dent.
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 (@susie_dent) August 18, 2021
Fellow comedian, QI cast member and friend, Alan Davies, also paid tribute on social media. He was one of many comics that were quick to share their sadness and thoughts
Sad news about Sean Lock. Funny on stage, hilarious off. We met in 1988 right at the start of our stand up careers. I hadn’t seen him in recent years as he quietly wrestled with illness but I feel very sad today for Anoushka and their children. RIP Locky.
— Alan Davies (@alandavies1) August 18, 2021
Close friend and comic Bill Bailey posted this short but heartfelt tweet.
It’s heartbreaking to lose my dearest friend Sean Lock , he was a true original, a wonderful comic. All my thoughts are with his family.
— Bill Bailey (@BillBailey) August 18, 2021
In a statement, another beloved UK comedian, Lee Mack, wrote: “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”.
This is desperately sad news. Such a brilliantly funny man. https://t.co/SINgJqvkFI
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) August 18, 2021
I saw Sean Lock & Bill Bailey do Rock at the pleasance in about 94, where I think Stewart Lee and me (and maybe 2 others) were the entire audience. Crazy to think that was possible! One of my favourite Fringe memories. RIP Sean. Like everyone in comedy, I’m gutted by this news.
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) 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
First professional comedian I knew. Met him when I booked him for a gig early 90s. Told him I wouldn’t mind being a comedian one day & I must have been over exited and trying to make him laugh coz he said “can I give you some advice then” I said “yeah”. He said “Tone it down” 😂
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 18, 2021
The sheer amount of UK comics that came to react to this deeply saddening news shows just how much of an impact Sean Lock had on modern British comedy.
With the passing of Sean Lock we have lost the best of the best.He made me laugh like few others do.A massive talent who made stand up look effortless and approached his illness in the same no nonsense way he approached life.A great loss.
— Ross Noble (@realrossnoble) August 18, 2021
Devastated to hear about Sean Lock. He toured with Newman and Baddiel on our last show together. One of the funniest men I ever knew.
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) August 18, 2021
Devastated to learn of Sean Lock’s death. We loved him-he was hilariously funny on and off screen, but also a lovely bloke… xxx https://t.co/y00lhIDDcj
— The Horne Section (@hornesection) August 18, 2021
Channel 4, for whom Lock had been a long-serving member of its comedic offerings, also posted their tribute to Twitter.
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
Even the sporting world paid their respects: as a life-long Chelsea fan, his presence will no doubt be missed around Stamford Bridge.
Everyone at Chelsea FC is saddened to learn of the passing of Sean Lock.
Sean was a much-loved comedian, fan of the Blues and a regular at Stamford Bridge. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. 💙 pic.twitter.com/SHva9fl5ZJ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 18, 2021
Rest in Peace to one of the greats.
Let’s remember him in all his glory, with one of the greatest childhood stories to have ever been written.
RIP Sean Lock.
“The Tiger Who For A Pint” will live forever in the memory.pic.twitter.com/ap7RsdHPXm
— Henry Fraser (@henryfraser0) August 18, 2021
