Sean Lock
{{Short description|English comedian and actor (1963–2021)}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox comedian
| image = Sean lock the hexagon 08 (crop).jpg
| name = Sean Lock
| caption = Lock at The Hexagon, Reading, 2008
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1963|4|22}}
| birth_place = Chertsey, Surrey, England
| death_date = {{death date and age|2021|8|16|1963|4|22|df=y}}{{efn |name="date"}}
| death_place = London, England
| medium = {{hlist|Television|stand-up|radio}}
| active = 1993–2021
| genre = {{unbulleted list
|Surreal}}
| education = Drama Centre London
| spouse = Anoushka Nara Giltsoff
| children = 3
}}
Sean Lock (22 April 1963 – 16 August 2021){{efn |name="date"}} was an English comedian and actor. He began his comedy career as a stand-up comedian and in 2000, he won the British Comedy Award, in the category of Best Live Comic, and was nominated for the Perrier Comedy Award. He was a team captain on the Channel 4 comedy panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats from 2005 to 2015, and on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown from 2012 until his death in 2021.
Lock frequently appeared on stage, television and radio. His routines were often surreal and delivered in a deadpan style. He also wrote material for Bill Bailey, Lee Evans and Mark Lamarr. Lock was voted the 55th-greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups in 2007, and he was upgraded to 19th in the updated 2010 list. He was a frequent guest on other panel shows, including BBC's Have I Got News for You, QI and They Think It's All Over.
Early life
Lock was born in Chertsey, Surrey, on 22 April 1963, the youngest of four children.{{cite web |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/theatre/a-word-with-comedian-sean-lock-1.26811 |title=A word with comedian Sean Lock |newspaper=The Courier |date=27 October 2010 |first=Jennifer |last=Cosgrove |access-date=22 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201173204/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/theatre/a-word-with-comedian-sean-lock-1.26811|archive-date=1 February 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Sean Lock |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/people/sean_lock_person_page.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821005519/https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/people/sean_lock_person_page.shtml |archive-date=21 August 2021 |access-date=18 August 2021 |work=BBC Comedy}}{{cite web |url=https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/sean-lock-dead-surrey-comedian-21339430 |title=Sean Lock: Surrey-born comedian dies at the age of 58 |work=Surrey Live |date=18 August 2021 |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818104200/https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/sean-lock-dead-surrey-comedian-21339430 |url-status=live }} His father, Sidney, worked in the building industry; his mother, Mary (née McCreesh),{{cite news |date=18 August 2021 |title=Sean Lock, laidback star of television comedy shows including 8 out of 10 Cats who was also an original and confident stage performer – obituary |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2021/08/18/sean-lock-laidback-star-television-comedy-shows-including-8/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818151252/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2021/08/18/sean-lock-laidback-star-television-comedy-shows-including-8/ |archive-date=18 August 2021 |access-date=18 August 2021 |work=The Daily Telegraph}} was from Cullaville, County Armagh.{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Ciaran |date=22 August 2021 |title=Sean Lock made regular trips to visit uncle in Northern Ireland |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/sean-lock-made-regular-trips-to-visit-uncle-in-northern-ireland-40774477.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823165638/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/sean-lock-made-regular-trips-to-visit-uncle-in-northern-ireland-40774477.html |archive-date=23 August 2021 |access-date=23 August 2021 |newspaper=belfasttelegraph.co.uk}} Lock was raised in Woking, Surrey, where he attended St John the Baptist School.{{Cn|date=June 2025}}
During Lock's teenage years, he watched art-house films on BBC Two, and named Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 science-fiction film Stalker as one that affected him greatly. In 1981, he left education with a grade E in A-level English.{{Cite news |date=18 August 2021 |title=Sean Lock obituary |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/sean-lock-obituary-sntrvwbpl |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818231156/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sean-lock-obituary-sntrvwbpl |archive-date=18 August 2021 |access-date=18 August 2021 |website=The Times |issn=0140-0460}} Afterwards, his father got him a job stripping concrete panels off buildings. After spending seven years as a labourer, he travelled, taking on different jobs. For six weeks, he worked on a French farm as a goat herder and worked on a kibbutz in Israel. During this period, he also worked as a toilet cleaner and a Department of Health and Social Security office worker. During his work as a labourer, he developed skin cancer.
He then decided to pursue acting and enrolled at the Drama Centre London, though he soon realised he had made an error. He quit and returned to being a labourer. After Lock saw comedians like Alexei Sayle and Paul Merton performing in comedy clubs, he decided to pursue comedy. Throughout this time, he visited comedy shows in London pubs and started doing open-mic spots as a hobby. In 1988, Lock had his first official gig at a pub in Stoke Newington, London. After being paid £15 for his 20{{nbsp}}minutes, he realised he could pursue being a comedian as a career.
Career
Lock's early television work included a supporting role alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel in the 1993 series Newman and Baddiel in Pieces including touring with them as their support act.{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/comedian-sean-lock-dies-b951192.html |title=Comedian Sean Lock, star of 8 Out Of 10 Cats, dies aged 58 |work=Evening Standard |date=18 August 2021 |first=Sarah |last=Harvey |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=29 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129105115/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/comedian-sean-lock-dies-b951192.html |url-status=live }} Frank Skinner and Eddie Izzard are credited as major influences on his comedy.{{cite web |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2017/02/25/sean-lock-speaks-ahead-of-birmingham-shows/ |title=Sean Lock speaks ahead of Birmingham shows |work=Express & Star |date=25 February 2017 |access-date=27 May 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527142403/https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2017/02/25/sean-lock-speaks-ahead-of-birmingham-shows/ }}
A popular belief is that Lock was the first stand-up comedian to perform at Wembley Arena, as he was the support act for Newman and Baddiel.{{cite web |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/festivals/uk-festivals/comedy/sean-lock-i-see-myself-less-of-a-standup-more-of-a-comedian |title=Sean Lock: "I see myself less of a standup, more of a comedian" |work=The Skinny |date=8 March 2013 |first=Bernard |last=O'Leary |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818112205/https://www.theskinny.co.uk/festivals/uk-festivals/comedy/sean-lock-i-see-myself-less-of-a-standup-more-of-a-comedian |url-status=live }} But, while Lock was the support act, he only featured in skits in the middle of the show.{{cite news |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/why-sean-locks-career-purple-patch-is-set-to-continue-29775166.html |title=Why Sean Lock's career purple patch is set to continue |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=22 November 2013 |access-date=27 May 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527142403/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/why-sean-locks-career-purple-patch-is-set-to-continue-29775166.html }}
=''15 Minutes of Misery'' and ''15 Storeys High''=
Lock made regular appearances on various radio panel shows and script-edited for Bill Bailey's 1998 BBC2 series, Is It Bill Bailey?. In December 1998, he launched his own show on BBC Radio 4, 15 Minutes of Misery, originally as a five-episode pilot. These shows also featured actors Kevin Eldon and Hattie Hayridge. The premise involved Lock eavesdropping on his neighbours in his south London tower block (all played by Lock, Eldon and Hayridge) using a bugging device fitted by his plumber, "Hot Bob" (Eldon), which was known as "The Bugger King" (and had "nothing to do with meat or sex"). 15 Minutes of Misery lasted for one series of six programmes in late 1998 and early 1999.{{cite web |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/radio/15_minutes_of_misery/ |title=Sean Lock's 15 Minutes Of Misery |work=British Comedy Guide |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818124234/https://www.comedy.co.uk/radio/15_minutes_of_misery/ |url-status=live }}
In 1999, 15 Minutes of Misery was expanded into the half-hour series 15 Storeys High, co-written by Lock and Martin Trenaman. From ostensibly the same tower block, Lock's character was now given a flatmate (the hapless Errol) and a job at the local swimming baths, as well as a somewhat dour and intolerant demeanour. The bugging device was no longer used, but the antics of Lock's neighbours still featured heavily in the show. The plots for this series were more linear in a "traditional" sitcom style, although they still showed Lock's brand of dark, surreal humour. 15 Storeys High would transfer to television after two radio series, with Lock's character renamed 'Vince', for a further two series in 2002 and 2004.{{cite web |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/radio/15_storeys_high/ |title=Sean Lock: 15 Storeys High |work=British Comedy Guide |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818120907/https://www.comedy.co.uk/radio/15_storeys_high/ |url-status=live }} Initially aired on BBC Choice, it follows a cynical Vince and his naive flatmate Errol (Benedict Wong). It attracted a cult following after its release as a VHS box set and on DVD.
=Other work=
In 1995, Lock played an escaped murderer in an episode of The World of Lee Evans, alongside Lee Evans and Phil Daniels.{{cite web |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/news/6500/rip-sean-lock/ |title=Sean Lock dies aged 58 |work=British Comedy Guide |date=18 August 2021 |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818105601/https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/news/6500/rip-sean-lock/ |url-status=live }} Lock wrote the screenplay for Andrew Kötting's 2001 feature film This Filthy Earth, based on the novel La Terre by Émile Zola.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2001/nov/02/culture.reviews3 |title=This Filthy Earth |work=The Guardian |date=2 November 2001 |first=Peter |last=Bradshaw |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818110213/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2001/nov/02/culture.reviews3 |url-status=live }} In 2004, Lock had a guest appearance on television's first-ever "dope opera", Top Buzzer, written by Johnny Vaughan.
In 2005, he became a regular team captain on the Channel 4 panel game 8 Out of 10 Cats. In an article at the time of his death, The Guardian said Lock "will be best remembered as a team captain for the first 18 series of... 8 Out of 10 Cats... and he quickly emerged as its biggest star".{{Cite web |date=18 August 2021 |last=Hayward |first=Anthony |author-link=Anthony Hayward |title=Sean Lock obituary |url=http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/aug/18/sean-lock-obituary |access-date=18 August 2021 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818173620/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/aug/18/sean-lock-obituary |url-status=live }} He was a team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats between 2005 and 2015, and on its spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown between 2012 and 2021.
In spring 2006, he hosted his own entertainment show on Channel 4 called TV Heaven, Telly Hell. Lock narrated the BBC production World Cup Goals Galore in 2006.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/bbc_coverage/4766257.stm |title=World Cup Goals Galore |work=BBC Sport |date=25 May 2006 |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=16 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616202508/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/bbc_coverage/4766257.stm |url-status=live }} In 2008, he appeared on The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, on a team with James Corden. Lock also appeared on many popular British TV panel shows, including Have I Got News for You, QI and They Think It's All Over. He was also a celebrity guest in The Last Leg. Lock became "The Curator" for the second radio series of The Museum of Curiosity, in 2009, taking over from Bill Bailey.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbcstudios.com/case-studies/the-museum-of-curiosity/ |title=The Museum of Curiosity |work=BBC Studios |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818130125/https://www.bbcstudios.com/case-studies/the-museum-of-curiosity/ |url-status=live }}
In 2010, Lock took part in Channel 4's Comedy Gala, a benefit show held in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, filmed live at The O2 Arena.{{cite web |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/channel4_comedy_gala/episodes/1/1/ |title=Channel 4's Comedy Gala |work=British Comedy Guide |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818110418/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/channel4_comedy_gala/episodes/1/1/ |url-status=live }} He also appeared in a spoof video produced by Shelter, the housing charity, to highlight the problem of rogue landlords.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1tB9y55UrI&feature=player_embedded |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/G1tB9y55UrI |archive-date=22 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Evict Rogue Landlords (video)|date=29 March 2011 |publisher=Shelter |access-date=30 March 2011}}{{cbignore}} In 2011, he took over from John Sergeant as the host of the Dave comedy panel show Argumental. In 2019, Lock featured in episode 4 of the BBC comedy series Mandy.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/aug/13/mandy-review-from-naked-sushi-model-to-tarantula-assassin |title=Mandy review – from naked sushi model to tarantula assassin |work=The Guardian |date=13 August 2020 |first=Lucy |last=Mangan |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818130441/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/aug/13/mandy-review-from-naked-sushi-model-to-tarantula-assassin |url-status=live }}
Comedic style
Lock was known for his surreal style, deadpan delivery and dry humour.{{Cite news|last=Callery|first=James|date=18 August 2021|title=Comedian and 8 Out of 10 Cats star Sean Lock dies of cancer aged 58|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/sean-lock-obituary-sntrvwbpl|website=The Times|access-date=18 August 2021|url-access=subscription|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818143701/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/comedian-and-8-out-of-10-cats-star-sean-lock-dies-of-cancer-aged-58-sntrvwbpl|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theskinny.co.uk/festivals/uk-festivals/comedy/in-profile-sean-lock|title=In Profile: Sean Lock|last=Whelan|first=Edward|work=The Skinny|date=19 March 2010|access-date=3 November 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014552/http://www.theskinny.co.uk/festivals/uk-festivals/comedy/in-profile-sean-lock|url-status=live}} The Guardian stated that he was "celebrated for his carefully crafted surreal content and imaginative observational wit".{{Cite web |date=18 August 2021 |title=Comedian Sean Lock dies aged 58 |url=http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/aug/18/comedian-sean-lock-dies-aged-58 |access-date=19 October 2021 |work=The Guardian |first=Chris |last=Wiegand |language=en |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110121230/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/aug/18/comedian-sean-lock-dies-aged-58 |url-status=live }} Lock stated that comedy is not always easy, saying: "The real secret [...] is every day spending tedious hours straining over a blank sheet of paper trying to think of something funny. Some days I'd rather try and lay an egg".
Ed Power of The Daily Telegraph described his persona as "studiedly obtuse". He said Lock's topics included political correctness, "existential woe", and the difficulties of being a football supporter which gave him "irresistible everyman quality". Power described him as "a Samuel Beckett trapped inside a Tommy Cooper punchline". Power also suggested that his persona was so convincing because it matched his off-stage persona.{{Cite news|last=Power|first=Ed|date=18 August 2021|title=Samuel Beckett trapped inside a Tommy Cooper punchline, Sean Lock was a comedian like no other|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/samuel-beckett-trapped-inside-tommy-cooper-punchline-sean-lock/|access-date=18 August 2021|issn=0307-1235|url-access=subscription|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818153457/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/samuel-beckett-trapped-inside-tommy-cooper-punchline-sean-lock/|url-status=live}} Fellow comedian Harry Hill said, "People are tempted to pigeonhole him as dark or surreal but he was more than that. He had a playful side; a wide-eyed wonder at the world".
During an interview with Bill Bailey on the Channel 4 show Comic's Choice, Lock listed Sam Kinison and Lenny Bruce as his main comedy influences. On the BBC Radio 2 show Talking Comedy, he listed Paul Merton, Steven Wright, Jasper Carrott, Les Dawson, Jerry Sadowitz, Kenneth Williams and Hylda Baker as his favourite comedians.{{Cn|date=June 2025}}
Personal life
Lock and his wife, Anoushka Nara Giltsoff, had two daughters, born in 2004 and 2006, and a son born in 2009.{{cite web |url=https://www.realitytitbit.com/channel-4/8-out-of-10-cats-does-countdown-is-harriet-sean-locks-real-daughter |title=8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: Is Harriet Sean Lock's real daughter? |website=realitytitbit.com |date=2020 |first=Helen |last=Williams |access-date=27 July 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727140051/https://www.realitytitbit.com/channel-4/8-out-of-10-cats-does-countdown-is-harriet-sean-locks-real-daughter }} The family lived in the Muswell Hill area of London.{{cite web |last=Kingsley |first=Thomas |title=The Muswell Hill soup kitchen late comedian Sean Lock was 'more than a volunteer to' |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/celebs/muswell-hill-soup-kitchen-late-21377065 |website=MyLondon |publisher=Reach plc |access-date=25 August 2021 |date=23 August 2021 |archive-date=24 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824113052/https://www.mylondon.news/news/celebs/muswell-hill-soup-kitchen-late-21377065 |url-status=live }}
Lock was diagnosed with skin cancer in 1990, attributing the condition to overexposure to the sun while working as a builder in the early 1980s. After seeing his doctor, he was referred to a dermatologist at Guy's Hospital, London, and made a full recovery.{{Cite web |date=18 August 2021 |first=Jacob |last=Stolworthy |title=Sean Lock death: 8 Out of 10 Cats star dies from cancer aged 58 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/sean-lock-death-age-cause-b1904501.html |work=The Independent |access-date=19 October 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819124246/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/sean-lock-death-age-cause-b1904501.html |url-status=live }} In May 2012, he gave his support to a Sun Awareness event at the hospital.{{Cite web|url=https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/Home.aspx|title=Sean Lock backs our sun safety event|first=Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation|last=Trust|website=guysandstthomas.nhs.uk|access-date=20 August 2021|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628211019/https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/Home.aspx|url-status=live}}
Lock was a supporter of Chelsea F.C.{{cite web |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2018/7/11/before-three-lions--there-was-mr-tambling-man |title=Before Three Lions, there was Mr Tambling Man |publisher=Chelsea F.C. |date=11 July 2018 |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821014033/https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2018/7/11/before-three-lions--there-was-mr-tambling-man |url-status=live }} and was an active supporter of the Muswell Hill soup kitchen.{{cite web |url=https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/obituaries/sean-lock-obituary-death-muswell-hill-comedy-channel4-8247472 |title=Muswell Hill comic Sean Lock dies at 58 |publisher=Ham & High |date=18 August 2021 |first=Sam |last=Volpe |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818120814/https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/obituaries/sean-lock-obituary-death-muswell-hill-comedy-channel4-8247472 |url-status=live }} In December 2020, Lock made a video to help raise funds for Edible London, a charity that aimed to provide ingredients for a million meals to help those struggling in lockdown. In the clip, he quipped, "I'm Sean Lock. You may know me as that bloke off the telly whose name you can't remember."{{Cite web |title=Sean Lock made food poverty appeal in recent appearance before tragic death aged 58 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sean-lock-death-food-poverty-134014485.html |date=18 August 2021 |first=Tilly |last=Pearce |access-date=18 August 2021 |work=Yahoo! Entertainment |language=en-AU |archive-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826224943/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sean-lock-death-food-poverty-134014485.html |url-status=live }}
Death and tributes
Lock died of cancer at his home, on 16 August 2021, aged 58.{{cite news |title=Sean Lock: Comedian and 8 Out of 10 Cats captain dies aged 58 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58254859 |access-date=18 August 2021 |work=BBC News |date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906071218/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58254859 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Marcus |author-link=Marcus Williamson |date=27 August 2021 |title=Sean Lock: Comic whose deadpan surrealism made him a TV favourite |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/sean-lock-obituary-dead-age-b1907829.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906140241/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/sean-lock-obituary-dead-age-b1907829.html |archive-date=6 September 2021 |access-date=10 September 2021 |website=The Independent}}{{efn |name="date"}} According to Bill Bailey, a close friend of Lock, he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer a few years earlier.{{Cite web |title=Sean Lock died from lung cancer after secret battle |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/sean-lock-died-lung-cancer-21362972 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=20 August 2021 |first=Jessica |last=Sansome |access-date=19 October 2021 |archive-date=28 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128112716/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/sean-lock-died-lung-cancer-21362972 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/entertainment-arts-58262399|title=Bill Bailey pays tribute to 'dearest friend' Sean Lock|work=BBC News|access-date=22 August 2021|archive-date=22 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822221024/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/entertainment-arts-58262399|url-status=live}}
Those who paid tribute included fellow 8 Out of 10 Cats performers Jimmy Carr and Jon Richardson; Countdown’s Rachel Riley and Susie Dent; many comedians;{{cite news |last=Walker |first=Sam |url=https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/ipswich/news/heartbroken-omid-djalili-pays-tribute-following-death-of-c-9212427/ |title=Suffolk-based Omid Djalili pays tribute following death of comedian Sean Lock |website=suffolknews.co.uk |date=18 August 2021 |access-date=21 August 2021 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821110519/https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/ipswich/news/heartbroken-omid-djalili-pays-tribute-following-death-of-c-9212427/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Kemp|first=Ella|date=18 August 2021|title=Tributes pour in for Sean Lock: "A privilege and inspiration to work with"|url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/comedian-sean-lock-dies-cancer-aged-58-3022258|access-date=19 August 2021|website=NME|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818124846/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/comedian-sean-lock-dies-cancer-aged-58-3022258|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=All the tributes for comedian Sean Lock who has died aged 58 |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19520881.sean-lock-death-tributes-8-10-cats-star-died-aged-58/ |date=18 August 2021 |first=Sophie |last=Parsons |access-date=18 August 2021 |website=HeraldScotland.com |language=en |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818115224/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19520881.sean-lock-death-tributes-8-10-cats-star-died-aged-58/ |url-status=live }} Chelsea F.C.; QI; and Channel 4. Harry Hill wrote a piece in The Guardian, describing him as "the comedian's comedian".{{Cite web|last=Hill|first=Harry|date=18 August 2021|title=Harry Hill on Sean Lock: 'The comedian's comedian who took us all by surprise'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/aug/18/harry-hill-on-sean-lock-comedians-comedian-took-us-by-surprise|url-status=live|access-date=18 August 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818131020/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/aug/18/harry-hill-on-sean-lock-comedians-comedian-took-us-by-surprise}}
On 19 August 2021, Channel 4 aired a tribute to Lock,{{cite web |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2021/08/18/49059/channel_4_pays_tribute_to_sean_lock |title=Channel 4 pays tribute to Sean Lock |work=Chortle |access-date=19 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818230251/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2021/08/18/49059/channel_4_pays_tribute_to_sean_lock |url-status=live }} showing his stand-up show Keep It Light along with an episode of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/channel-4-plans-tribute-to-sean-lock-with-special-night-of-programming-3023396 |title=Channel 4 plans tribute to Sean Lock with special night of programming |work=NME |date=19 August 2021 |first=Beth |last=Webb |access-date=19 August 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819131212/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/channel-4-plans-tribute-to-sean-lock-with-special-night-of-programming-3023396 |url-status=live }} Chelsea Football Club paid tribute to Lock on 11 September during their fixture against Aston Villa with a one-minute applause during the 58th (the age at which he died) minute of the match.{{Cite web|last=Whiley|first=Mark|date=9 September 2021|title=Villa fans praised after showing support for Chelsea tribute to Sean Lock|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sean-lock-tribute-chelsea-villa-21523022|access-date=10 September 2021|website=BirminghamLive|language=en|archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910174426/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sean-lock-tribute-chelsea-villa-21523022|url-status=live}} In addition, the tribute night of programming prompted fans and friends, including Kathy Burke, to call for the BBC to add 15 Storeys High to its online service.{{Cite news|last=Fordy|first=Tom|date=19 August 2021|title=Sean Lock's towering genius: 15 Storeys High, the sitcom gem 'tossed away by the BBC'|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/sean-locks-towering-genius-15-storeys-high-sitcom-gem-tossed/|access-date=20 August 2021|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819232524/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/sean-locks-towering-genius-15-storeys-high-sitcom-gem-tossed/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |date=18 August 2021 |title=Channel 4 pays tribute to Sean Lock |url=http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2021/08/18/49059/channel_4_pays_tribute_to_sean_lock |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819193451/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2021/08/18/49059/channel_4_pays_tribute_to_sean_lock |archive-date=19 August 2021 |access-date=20 August 2021 |website=chortle.co.uk}} Following this, the BBC released both series of the show onto its iPlayer service on 27 August 2021.{{cite web |last=Webb |first=Beth |title=Sean Lock's '15 Storeys High' comes to BBC iPlayer following comedian's death |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/sean-locks-15-storeys-high-comes-to-bbc-iplayer-following-comedians-death-3031283 |website=NME |access-date=8 September 2021 |date=27 August 2021 |archive-date=8 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908110221/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/sean-locks-15-storeys-high-comes-to-bbc-iplayer-following-comedians-death-3031283 |url-status=live }}
Fans of Lock called for his book The Tiger Who Came for a Pint to be published, with some fans suggesting the proceeds should go to cancer research in his honour.{{Cite web|date=20 August 2021|last=Starkey|first=Adam|title=Fans want Sean Lock's book 'The Tiger Who Came For A Pint' to be published|url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/sean-lock-tiger-who-came-for-a-pint-published-3024693|access-date=20 August 2021|website=NME|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820100508/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/sean-lock-tiger-who-came-for-a-pint-published-3024693|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=20 August 2021|title=Sean Lock fans urge the release of 'The Tiger Who Came For A Pint' parody book for a cancer charity|url=https://www.charitytoday.co.uk/sean-lock-fans-urge-the-release-of-the-tiger-who-came-for-a-pint-parody-book-for-a-cancer-charity/|access-date=20 August 2021|website=Charity Today News|language=en-GB|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820223629/https://www.charitytoday.co.uk/sean-lock-fans-urge-the-release-of-the-tiger-who-came-for-a-pint-parody-book-for-a-cancer-charity/|url-status=live}} The book is a parody on the children's book The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and was read on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
In August 2022, Bill Bailey completed a {{convert|100|mi|adj=on|abbr=off}} charity walk in memory of Lock, raising more than £110,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-62490649 | title=Bill Bailey completes charity walk in memory of Sean Lock | work=BBC News | date=10 August 2022 }}
Stand-up shows
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Lockipedia | |
| 2013 | Purple Van Man | |
| 2016–18 | Keep It Light |
=DVD releases=
Filmography
=Television=
| class="wikitable"; |
| style="text-align:center;"
! scope=col| Year ! scope=col| Title ! scope=col| Role ! scope=col| Notes ! scope=col| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" | 1991
| Acumen | {{N/A}} | Artist |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 1993
| Smart Alek | Smart Alek | Writer, television short |
| Newman and Baddiel in Pieces
| Shenley Grange | |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 1995
| The World of Lee Evans | Mitchell | |
| Anton & Minty
| Visitor | Also writer, television short |
| scope="row" | 1996
| The Chef and the Dancer | Guest appearance | |
| scope="row" | 1997
| Guest appearance | |
| scope="row" | 1998
| Guest appearance | |
| scope="row" | 1999
| {{N/A}} | Script editor | {{cite web |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/national/sean-lock-comedian-who-was-panellist-on-8-out-of-10-cats-and-15-storeys-high-sitcom-dies-of-cancer-aged-58-3350584 |title=Sean Lock: Comedian who was panellist on 8 Out of 10 Cats and 15 Storeys High sitcom dies of cancer aged 58 |work=Edinburgh News |date=18 August 2021 |first=Gary |last=Flockhart |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818110703/https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/national/sean-lock-comedian-who-was-panellist-on-8-out-of-10-cats-and-15-storeys-high-sitcom-dies-of-cancer-aged-58-3350584 |url-status=live }} |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2000
| TV to Go | Guest appearance | |
| Stand up Perrier
| Guest appearance | |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2001
| We Know Where You Live | Guest appearance | |
| This Filthy Earth
| {{N/A}} | Writer |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2002
| Jesus Christ Airlines | Guest appearance | |
| Is This It?
| Guest appearance | |
| scope="row" | 2002–2004
| Vince Clark | Also writer and associate producer |
| scope="row" | 2003–2011
| QI | Guest panellist | 32 episodes |
| scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2004
|Guest appearance | |
| The Terry and Gaby Show
| Guest appearance | |
| The Wright Stuff
| Guest panellist | |
| scope="row" | 2005–2015
| Himself, team captain | |
| scope="row" | 2006–2007
| Himself, presenter | |
| scope="row" | 2012
| The Real Man's Road Trip: Sean & Jon Go West | Himself | |
| scope="row" | 2012–2013
| The Channel 4 Mash Up | Himself | |
| scope="row" | 2012–2022
| 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown | Himself, team captain | Posthumous appearance in series 22 finale |
| scope="row" | 2014
| Sean Lock: Purple Van Man |Himself | |
| scope="row" | 2017
| Himself, interviewee | | {{Cite web|title=Sean Lock|url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2bb5a2b481|access-date=18 August 2021|website=British Film Institute|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818140726/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2bb5a2b481|url-status=dead}} |
| scope="row" | 2020
| Mandy | Geoff | Episode: "Fish" (Series 1 Episode 4) | {{Cite web|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/mandy/episodes/1/4/|title=Mandy Series 1, Episode 4 – Fish|website=British Comedy Guide |access-date=18 August 2021|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818210344/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/mandy/episodes/1/4/|url-status=live}} |
=Radio=
| class="wikitable"; |
| style="text-align:center;"
! scope=col| Year ! scope=col| Title ! scope=col| Role ! scope=col| Notes ! scope=col| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" | 1998–1999
| 15 Minutes of Misery | Sean | Also writer |
|---|
| scope="row" | 1999–2000
| 15 Storeys High | Sean | Also writer. Two series. Transferred to BBC television. | BBC Radio 4 production. https://www.comedy.co.uk/radio/15_storeys_high/ |
| scope="row" | 2004–2020
| The Unbelievable Truth | Panel member | Four occasions: 2008, 2009, and twice in 2020. |
Awards and nominations
Lock was voted the 55th-greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups in 2007 and as the 19th-greatest stand-up comic in the updated 2010 list.{{cite web |url=https://www.beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/10931/sean-lock-dies-aged-58 |title=Sean Lock Dies, Aged 58 |work=Beyond the Joke |date=18 August 2021 |first=Bruce |last=Dessau |access-date=18 August 2021 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818105234/https://www.beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/10931/sean-lock-dies-aged-58 |url-status=live }}
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| scope=col| Year
! scope=col| Award ! scope=col| Category ! scope=col| Result ! scope=col class=unsortable| Ref. |
|---|
| rowspan=2| 2000
| {{Won}} |
| Perrier Comedy Award
| {{N/A}} | {{Nom}} |
Notes
{{Notelist |refs=
{{efn |name="date" |The Guardian and The Independent reported that Lock died on 16 August. Other journalistic sources reported that he died on 18 August, the day his death was announced.}}
}}
References
External links
{{sister project auto}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20171017052543/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2bb5a2b481 Sean Lock] at the British Film Institute
- {{IMDb name|516700|name=Sean Lock}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928051026/http://www.wreckingballpress.com/html/kotting.php Sean Lock writes the foreword for the novel Nappy Rash by Mark Kotting] on Wrecking Ball Press {{ISBN|1-903110-16-5}}
- {{YouTube|0Q9IRpFGgPY|8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown}} from Channel 4
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lock, Sean}}
Category:20th-century English comedians
Category:20th-century English male actors
Category:20th-century English writers
Category:21st-century English comedians
Category:21st-century English male actors
Category:21st-century English writers
Category:Alumni of the Drama Centre London
Category:English male television writers
Category:English surrealist artists
Category:Comedians from Surrey
Category:Deaths from cancer in England
Category:English male comedians
Category:English male television actors
Category:English radio personalities
Category:English stand-up comedians
Category:English television personalities
Category:English television writers