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Sean Lock (1963–2021), English comedian known for “8 Out of 10 Cats”

by Linnea Crowther

Sean Lock was an English comedian and actor known for the British TV show “8 Out of 10 Cats.”

Comedy career

Lock’s early work included a supporting role in 1993’s “Newman and Baddiel in Pieces” and his own radio show, “15 Minutes of Misery.” The latter evolved into “15 Storeys High,” first for radio and then transitioning to TV in 2002. In 2005, Lock began appearing as a team captain in “8 Out of 10 Cats,” which ran on Comedy Central in the U.S. He began appearing in “8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown” in 2012 as a team captain, continuing until his death. Lock was also known for his stand-up comedy, releasing several comedy specials, as well as for appearances on shows including “QI,” “The Last Leg,” and “Have I Got News For You.”

Notable quote

“Last year I thought I might knock stand-up on the head and take a longer break from it. After a few months, I realised I didn’t really like that idea. All the things that make me good at the job don’t switch off and so if you have nowhere to go with it, you just turn it on yourself. So, I’d give myself a hard time, mocking myself and then patronising myself to try and make me feel better. When it comes down to it, comedy is rehearsed moaning.” —from an interview for On: Yorkshire Magazine

Tributes to Sean Lock

Full obituary: BBC

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