On Wednesday, it was confirmed by his agent that the world had lost a very clever and very funny man – Sean Lock. Sean was a Surrey born comedian, actor and writer who was well known for his stand-up as well as being a regular feature on comedy panel shows.
When I found out that Sean had passed away, I felt a genuine sense of loss. Having spoken to a number of people around me, it turned out that they felt the same. Nobody could quite understand why it was that the death of someone they did not know had affected them in such a way. That statement however, is not quite true. In a way, we did know Sean – he was in the corner of our living rooms on an almost weekly basis. Whilst we might not have been able to meet the man, it was always like an old friend was being beamed onto the television screen. The death of a comic personality always affects me in a different way. Whilst there is a melancholy atmosphere following the passing of anyone well known, when comics leave us it feels like a party has ended. The world that they create around them is one of mischief and fun familiarity and Sean was no exception to this. When someone like Sean dies, the world they have created for us ceases to be anymore. It’s difficult for me to realise that he will no longer light up our screens. The earnestness of the comedy community following the death of one of their own is also exceptionally jarring – people we see as happy go lucky figures, publicly mourning a well loved friend and colleague. Heartfelt tributes from his friends in the industry such as Bill Bailey and Harry Hill go to show that Sean was a popular man both on and off stage. It is fair to say that he was a unique phenomena in the comedy world – his stage persona was frequently pessimistic but never unkind. He provided an outlook on life that encompassed surrealism, observation and quick wit. It is fair to say that Sean was one of Britain’s greatest comic minds.
After some years of quietly fighting his illness, Sean passed away earlier this week. He was surrounded by his family.
Photograph: Channel 4 images must not be altered or manipulated in any way) CHANNEL 4 PICTURE PUBLICITY 124 HORSEFERRY ROAD LONDON SW1P 2TX This picture may be used solely for Channel 4 programme publicity purposes in connection with the current broadcast of the programme(s) featured in the national and local press and listings. Not to be reproduced or redistributed for any use or in any medium not set out above (including the internet or other electronic form) without the prior written consent of Channel 4 Picture Publicity.