British comedian Sean Lock dead at 58

Sean Lock, a British comedian who also starred on cheeky comedy panel shows such as “8 Out of 10 Cats,” died of cancer, his agent announced Wednesday. He was 58.

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“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock,” according to a statement from Lock’s agency, Off the Kerb Productions, that was posted on Instagram. “He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family. Sean was one of Britain’s finest comedians, his boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy. Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children. Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him. We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children are respected at this difficult time.”

Lock was a team captain on “8 Out of 10 Cats,” which was hosted by Jimmy Carr, according to the BBC. He also appeared on “QI,” “The Last Leg,” “Have I Got News for You” and “The Big Fat Quiz of the Year,” the news agency reported.

Lock starred for 18 seasons on “8 Out of 10 Cats” and later was a panel member of the show’s spinoff, “8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown,” CNN reported.

The Twitter account for “8 Out of 10 Cats” also paid tribute to the comedian, writing that Lock “was a brilliant writer, a phenomenal stand-up, a comedy genius. Our thoughts are with his family after this devastating news. We will miss him greatly. There was no one like him.”

Lock also wrote and starred in the BBC situation comedy, “15 Storeys High,” according to CNN. He also hosted an improv show, “Lockipedia.”

BBC’s Channel 4 announced it will pay tribute to the comedian with special programming on Thursday night, the network reported. The BBC will air the comedian’s stand-up special, “Sean Lock: Keep It Light,” followed by an episode of “8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.”

Lock won a British Comedy Award for Best Live Comic in 2000, Entertainment Weekly reported.

Lock is survived by his wife, Anoushka Nara Giltsoff, and their three children.

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