UK's Comic Actor, Eric Sykes Dies At 89

One of Britain's most-loved comic actors Eric Sykes, described as the 'gentlemen of comedy' has died today at the age of 89.

The legendary star enjoyed an acclaimed career spanning the stage, screen and radio but probably will be best remembered for his long-running 1960s sitcom series which he starred in alongside Hattie Jacques.

Sykes was one of the most endearing and popular comic actors of his generation and could still be seen on the West End stage into his 80s - even though he became almost totally deaf and nearly blind.

His manager, Norma Farnes, said this morning: 'Eric Sykes, 89, star of TV, stage and films died peacefully after a short illness. His family were with him.

Sir Bruce Forsyth led the tributes to the much-loved comic, noted for his thick-rimmed spectacles.

Originally making his name as a radio script writer - collaborating to great acclaim with Spike Milligan on the Goon Show - Eric Sykes also penned, and starred in, a number of hits for the large and small screen over five decades
Television series which Sykes created and starred in:
Sykes and a... (1960-65 series)
Sykes and a Big Big Show (1971 series)
Sykes (1972-79 series)

He also wrote and appeared in a number of films including:

Pantomania, or Dick Whittington (1956)
Opening Night (1956)
Dress Rehearsal (1956)
Closing Night (1957)
The Plank (1967)
It's Your Move (1969)
Rhubarb (1969)
The Plank (1979 - a remake of The Plank)
Mr. H Is Late (1988)
The Big Freeze (1993)

He also appeared in:

One Way Pendulum (1964)
Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965)
Monte Carlo or Bust (1969)
Theatre of Blood (1973)
In recent years he enjoyed minor roles in:

The Others (2001)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Son of Rambow (2007)
And on the small screen he had recent small parts including:
My Family
Heartbeat
And he even provided voices for Teletubbies