Eric Sykes, a giant of British comedy for sixty years and a familiar face to fans of the Harry Potter films, has died aged 89, his manager announced on Wednesday. A statement released by Norma Farnes confirmed that the veteran performer died on Wednesday morning, surrounded by his family, after a short illness.
He is best remembered for starring in and writing long-running TV sitcom Sykes And A... with Hattie Jacques, star of the bawdy Carry On series of films. He also wrote scripts for comedians including Peter Sellers, Frankie Howerd and Tony Hancock.
Sykes' film career included cameo appearances in "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" (2005), "The Others" (2001) and "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines" (1965). Sykes leaves behind wife Eith Eleanore Milbrandt, one son and three daughters.