Wednesday 4 July 2012

Proper Comedian



A sad loss today was the passing of the great comedian and script writer Eric Sykes.   For those of us of a certain age Sykes was an institution all our lives.  From small beginnings in the forties Sykes, like many other ex-servicemen, began a career in show business that was to make him an institution.  His influence was everywhere, or radio, TV, stage and films.  Both acting and directing, his film without words 'The Plank,' was a great hit when it appeared in 1967.  He wrote for Frankie Howard, Britain's highest paid comic at the time, for 'The Goon Show,' an institution in itself, and wrote and acted with Hattie Jacques as brother and sister in a long running sitcom.


Sykes comedy was gentle, clever fun.  His was not the cynical comedy so popular today, although he could laugh at any powerful soul if need be.  He was one who laughed with you, not at you.  Comedy arose from any situation and Eric knew how to put a funny slant on it.  This success made him Britain's vest paid writer in due course, which must have pleased his family, and came in spite of going deaf.  He wore glasses which contained no glass, instead they conveyed sound vibrations to his ears so he could see.  With them he continued to act, even appearing in a 17th century comedy play wearing them!  His eyesight also failed but he continued to appear as often as possible.  A great wit, a great comedian and a great actor.  he gavce the impression of being a great man also.  His comedy will be much missed.

  

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8 comments:

alan1704 said...

Like you i grew up watching 'Sykes' i always remember his great banter with his next door neighbour ' Richard Wattis' if my memory serves me right. He was one of the true greats!

Kay G. said...

I don't know him but my English husband remembers him well...he also said in was one of the early Harry Potter movies, in a very minor role. He said in was in the movie, The Others with Nicole Kidman.

Mike Smith said...

Another comic legend departs. Heaven will be a happier place, for sure...

Adullamite said...

Mametz, Indeed Watts was good in that.

Kay, he did indeed play a small role, working until recently.

Mike, Few left!

Relax Max said...

You picture looks a bit like Woody Allen.

Well, I'm not having any luck getting the video to play. You know how the beeb hates me.

Was he better than Benny Hill? I remember Hill but can't place this guy. RIP.

Adullamite said...

Max, Woody Allen would possibly have liked him.
The Beeb may not work in US, but that was on Youtube, try there. It's actually not the Beeb when I think of it, but a film company!

Benny Hill just ran around after near naked women, although in real life he wouldn't have done so. His comedy was somewhat limited. Sykes was far more intelligent, witty and downright clever.

Jenny Woolf said...

Eric Sykes was so nice, and he suffered a lot with his health, but it didn't seem to embitter him. I used to love watching him.

Adullamite said...

Jenny, his image was always good. Much missed.