UK comic actor Eric Sykes dead at 89

On of the greats. RIP Eric.

R.I.P Eric , and so, another legend passes.

Huge loss.

Loved this guy!

See you next time around!

One from the golden years of British comedy. I rather enjoyed his roles in more serious films like The Others. I still remember him from The Theatre of Blood with Vincent Price - his last words being, "Yes, I can definitely hear a train coming"!

Great bloke, shall watch the Bargee and an epsidoe of Curry and Chips before retiring for the night.

A disgusting guy. He entertained the troops in 1966. They happened to be the troops of Rhodesia. This was when that country had broken away from the UK in order to preserve racial apartheid. One must assume he supported that. As I said, a disgusting guy.

A brilliant comedian. "The Plank" was a real classic.

albaleo

For shame, you vile creature. Show some respect for the dead and don't turn this into your personal political crusade.

He was a big part of my childhood in the 70s... RIP Eric. I'll watch the Plank tonight.

@StanTheMan

Hardly my personal crusade. The Rhodesian government of Ian Smith was condemned by the international community at the time (1976 not 1966 as in my earlier post, sorry.) Eric Sykes and Jimmy Edwards went to entertain soldiers who were fighting to enforce white minority rule. Sykes voiced support for the regime. I've never heard that he voiced any regrets. But if he did, then I accept my comment is out of place. Otherwise, he deserves no more respect that any other supporter of tyranny.

albaleo - your post is off topic and out of place.

The topic is Eric Sykes, who recently passed away. If you wish to discuss Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, please find an appropriate forum to vent your political spleen.

Eric Sykes was an important part of my life. I was overjoyed to see him in a recent Harry Potter movie. I for one do not wish to see his name tarnished.

@johninnaha "I for one do not wish to see his name tarnished."

Problem is, it's already been tarnished, in 1976, by Eric Sykes.

Just googled it.

Eric Sykes and Jimmie Edwards did ONE SUMMER SHOW in Bulawayo, Rhodesia.

Someone who was there at the time wrote:

I was in the Rhodesian Army, during the sanctions period, and Eric, with Jimmy Edwards, decided to visit the country, with their show, I think called "Big bad Mouse". I was privileged to see them at a real old-world theatre in Bulawayo, and the 2 of them kept us amused for many hours, scripted and unscripted. What a good night. Real gentlemen, both of them, old-school entertainers.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2168636/Eric-Sykes-dead-89-Farewell-British-comic-legend.html#ixzz1zqEOL88b

As far as I know for the other 88 years and 354 days of his life, or whatever it was, he wasn't in Rhodesia.

Eric Sykes was a wonderful comedian and scriptwriter.

If lucabrasi and albaleo wish to sling muck at a lovable man who just passed away, I suggest they choose somewhere else to do it.

@johninnaha

"Just googled it."

Well done, John! Looks like you managed to find the Daily Mail site. The guy who wrote the comment saw them on one day.

This article describes a tour and a private performance for the troops.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19760311&id=1pVAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HKUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3938,2121481

The quote from Sykes wasn't one of his better lines.