Sean Lock, best known for starring in British comedy panel show “8 Out of 10 Cats,” has died.
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock,” read a statement from his agent posted to Instagram.
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 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,” the statement added, noting that he was a “cherished husband” and father of three children.
Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him. We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children are respected at this difficult time.”
Fellow comic Ricky Gervais mourned the loss on Twitter, calling Lock “one of the most influential comedians of a generation.”
“Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock,” Gervais wrote. “[He was] one of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man.”
Lock also wrote and starred in the BBC sitcom “15 Storeys High,” co-hosted “The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.” He toured with his improv show “Lockipedia,” where he would talk extensively about random subjects the audience suggested.
He is survived by his wife, Anoushka Nara Giltsoff, and their three children.
Lock died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family, his agency Off the Kerb Productions announced in a statement Wednesday.
Other famous faces have been sharing tributes their fellow comedian, including Ricky Gervais.
“Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man,” Gervais shared on Twitter.
“The Office” star also shared a story of his first meeting with Lock, when he told Lock he wanted to be a comedian one day and must have been overexcited and “trying to make him laugh.”
Lock’s other writing and acting credits include “15 Storeys High,” “Ideal,” and “QI.”
