Eric Sykes: A Legendary Comedian and His Enduring Legacy

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Eric Sykes was a comedy legend who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his unique brand of slapstick humor and exceptional writing talent. His sitcom "Sykes," which he wrote and starred in, drew in a staggering 18 million viewers on Friday nights, making it a staple of British television. However, for his daughter Julie Sykes, it's the warmth of her father's embrace that she misses the most since his passing in 2012 at the age of 89.

Speaking about her father, Julie fondly remembers his ability to bring humor into their home life, saying "Dad was always visually funny. And that's what he was like at home. I remember he'd come into a room and inadvertently drop something, a knife or fork. There was a cheeky laugh. He always made us laugh." The show "Sykes" was initially titled "Sykes and a..." during its nine-series run from 1960 to 1965, and was later simply called "Sykes" in its successful revival from 1972 to 1979. Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques, who portrayed his twin sister, formed an impeccable comedic pair and maintained a close friendship until her untimely death from a heart attack in 1980 at the young age of 53.

Eric's career was marked by numerous collaborations with renowned talents, including Tony Hancock, Harry Secombe, and Peter Sellers. He also earned critical praise for his performances in the 2001 film "The Others" and as Frank Bryce in "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" in 2005. Despite struggling with hearing issues and a quadruple heart bypass operation in 1997, Eric continued to work in the entertainment industry, relying on his 'hearing aid' glasses with thick black lenses to transmit sound through his skull. His success is all the more impressive considering his partial deafness, which made creating comedy for laughs he could no longer hear a significant challenge.

Eric's legacy extends beyond his own work, as he became a benevolent mentor to many young performers, including Jimmy Tarbuck. His daughter Julie recalls, "My dad was very caring and respectful of other performers - full of advice when they asked." The legendary comedic duo Laurel and Hardy were a significant influence on Eric, as seen in his 1967 comedic gem "The Plank," which starred Tommy Cooper. Eric's journey as a performer began when he met Hattie in 1948, who was captivating audiences with her renditions of old-time music hall classics. He said, "At the end of the number she leapt in the air and did the splits. I had never seen such charisma." Eric and Hattie's partnership was built on mutual respect and admiration, with Eric seeing her as funny in her own right, rather than relying on her physical stature for comedic effect.

Eric's life was marked by tragedy, including the loss of his mother just three weeks after his birth and his experiences during World War II, which included visiting the recently liberated Bergen Belsen prison camp. However, he found solace in his loving home and family, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through his work and the many lives he touched. The documentary "Eric Sykes: 50 Years of Laughter" airs on Channel 5, showcasing his remarkable career and enduring impact on the entertainment industry. With his humor and resilience, Eric Sykes remains an inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.