The Heartbreaking Death Of Comedian Sean Lock

Comedian Sean Lock has died from cancer at the age of 58. According to the BBC, Lock is well known for his appearances on U.K. comedy panel shows such as "8 Out of 10 Cats" and "Have I Got News for You," as well as sitcoms including "15 Storeys High" which he wrote and starred in.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 18, confirming his death, the comedian's agent Off The Kerb Productions said "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock. He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family." The statement went on to describe Lock as "one of Britain's finest comedians" with "boundless creativity" and "lightning wit."

"Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children. Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him," the tribute concluded. Shortly after the sad news of his death broke, some of the biggest names in British comedy began paying their respects online. 

Leading the many tributes to the comedian on social media was "The Office" creator Ricky Gervais, who tweeted, "Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man." Acclaimed actor and writer Stephen Fry described the news on Twitter as "horrible," adding that Lock managed to provide "complete brilliance in every comic direction. What a loss. My heart goes out to his family."

One of the most poignant tributes came from Lock's "8 Out of 10 Cats" co-star Jimmy Carr, who he had spent many years working alongside on the U.K. comedy series. "Brutal news about Sean Lock today. I loved him. I'm watching clips of him right now – laughing & crying. I'll miss him so much," Carr wrote on Twitter. 

Per the BBC, Lock was born in Chertsey, Surrey, and began working as a builder in the 1980s. He was later diagnosed with skin cancer and eventually went into remission. The experience inspired him to quit his job and embark on a career in comedy.