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Eric Sykes Obituary
He died at his home after a brief illness, said manager Norma Farnes.
Sykes was one of the most popular comic actors of his generation, appearing in shows in London's West End into his 80s. He began his career writing scripts for BBC shows, co-writing 24 episodes of the classic radio comedy "The Goon Show" with the late Spike Milligan.
He appeared in the "Sykes and a" sitcom about a brother and sister living together in west London, which ran in the 1960s and 1970s. He went on to write and act in theater shows and movies, including an appearance in "The Others" starring Nicole Kidman and in the Harry Potter film "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."
Sykes also wrote scripts for Peter Sellers and other major British actors.
TV star and former Monty Python member Michael Palin said Sykes was "one of the nicest, most decent men in the business and one of a kind."
"To me, he was a great inspiration, both as a writer and performer," Palin said.
Comedy writer Eddie Braben said Sykes was a "monumental man of comedy, an inspirational figure for those who aimed for comedy success." He said Sykes' death leaves "an enormous gap in the field of fun. His was the comedy of innocence. He didn't raise any bruises, only laughter."
Sykes was survived by his wife, Eith Eleanore Milbrandt, and his four children.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
38 Entries
Ryan Randall
June 18, 2025
Rest in peace, Mr Eric Sykes. My prayer and condolences are to you and your family. I pray (Heavenly Father) that the Sykes family would be comforted. I pray (Heavenly Father) that the Sykes family would rest in being insured that their loved one Mr. Eric Sykes is in a better place. I pray (Heavenly Father) that the Sykes family will all be together again one day.
November 3, 2012
Thank you x
Lenny Weekley
September 27, 2012
Eric old chap on behalf of my New Zealand mates who like a decent fellow who can make us all titter thanks for the fabulous memories. Pardon?
J B
August 14, 2012
grown up with you, and your contemporaries bringing rays of sunshine into our lives. you have all left a wonderful legacy in film for the future. J,B.NORFOLK.
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August 5, 2012
Eric you were certainly one of the greats. Your autobiography is one book I cherish and gives me lots of pleasure. You are now with your beloved mum. and brothers and are probably having a laugh at our expense. Thanks for the memories. God bless you Eric.
Ken Dennis
July 12, 2012
My sympathies to the Sykes' family. Eric provided a lot of fun for a lot of years -- yes, even here across the Atlantic. He will be missed.
July 11, 2012
God bless Mr. Sykes family during this most difficult time. Praying God gives you strength, peace and comfort during the coming days ahead.
Ashley
July 10, 2012
Sykes was one of the greatest actors of British tv. My sympathies go to the Sykes family and friends as they endure this time of sadness. A thought that brings a measure of comfort is knowing that soon God will swallow up death forever and he will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.
ER
July 9, 2012
Thanks for the memories of watching your show beamed into our home from Canada
July 9, 2012
My condolences to the family. May your fond memories bring you peace as well as the comfort that our heavenly father gives.
July 9, 2012
With deepest condolences to the Sykes family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
July 9, 2012
Psm. 37/11... But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. We will see our loved ones again.
Linda
July 9, 2012
To the the family of Eric Sykes - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
July 9, 2012
God please bless Mr. Sykes family during their time of sorrow. Please give them comfort, peace and strength during their time of loss.
w creighton
July 8, 2012
the plank was magic R.I.P
Ann Thompson
July 7, 2012
May you see all your family and friends that went home before you and smile forever rest in peace if you choose
Gail Siegel
July 7, 2012
I wish to extend my condolences to the family of Eric Sykes for their loss. May all your memories of him bring a smile to your faces and to your hearts.
Thank you, Eric, for all the laughs.
Rest In Peace, Eric Sykes. Your work will live on.
July 7, 2012
Many goon show memories, thank you "Eric "Sykes. Marlene Raum kennebunkport Maine usa
July 7, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family and friends for your loss. Trust in God and find comfort in His Word to get you through. - Rev. 31:3,4
July 7, 2012
1Cor 15:26 promises that death will be no more....
GK. LA
Mary Green
July 6, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 6, 2012
May the God who supplies endurance and comfort”… sustain you in your time of need through prayer, the comfort of fellow believers, and his Word the Bible.–Ro 15:5.
With Deep Sympathy,
Green, L.-West P. Bch., FL 33407
July 6, 2012
To the family and friends of Eric Sykes: " Draw close to God and he will draw close to you at this difficult time." James 4:8
GA
Bob Urch
July 6, 2012
A very under estimated man, Many never knew just how great his talents were and few people in todays world have his Morals or dedication.
A Great loss to the Entertainment Industry and an even bigger loss tom society. My condolences to the family.
Bob Urch, Cheshunt, Herts.
July 6, 2012
My condolences to the family. Our heavenly Father is a refuge and strength for us during our distresses-Psalm 46:1. Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.
Janice Urch
July 5, 2012
Eric Sykes will be missed but always remembered. I remember your first movie"The Plank" You were a good Oldham lad
July 5, 2012
To the the family of Eric Sykes - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Rodney Newcombe
July 5, 2012
Thanks for all the laughter over the
years dear Eric,when you meet up with
Spike and the others be shure to put it
out on dvd.You where one of the best
ever...
July 5, 2012
THIS MAN WAS AMAZING, BRITISH COMEDY IS THE BEST,HE WILL BE A SAD LOSS NOT ONLY FOR COMEDY BUT OTHER PARTS HE PLAYED.ONE OF THE MANY GREATS.JO.M. DUNEDIN FLORIDA
Tami Bramblett
July 5, 2012
Thank you for the lovely laughter! My condolences to the family and the world of British Comedy in general.
Mary Holmes
July 5, 2012
Thank you for all the laughter you brought to us. You and your family are in my prayers.
Gail Koppelman
July 5, 2012
A very funny man...we will miss you
Geoffrey Hebdon
July 4, 2012
Eric will be sadly missed, not only was he a great comedian but also a genuine person who cared for others.
Henryk Zaleski
July 4, 2012
Thank you for your humor and the joy you bought to our cinemas and our homes. Rest in peace Mr. Sykes.
Ken Moon
July 4, 2012
Eric was always part of my growing up. He was a real comedy genius. My heart sank when I heard the news. Bye Eric I'll miss you.
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