Eric Sykes

Acting

Eric Sykes

Born May 4, 1923 · Oldham, Lancashire, England, UK

Died July 4, 2012 · aged 89

'Eric Sykes' started as a radio scriptwriter but he soon found he could perform as well as write. The slight handicap of being very hard of hearing doesn't interfere with his wonderful comic timing. The spectacles he wears have no lenses but contain a bone conducting hearing aid.

Known For

Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire · 2005
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7.82005
MovieAdventureFantasy
When his name emerges from the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter becomes a competitor in a grueling battle for glory among three wizarding schools. Signs of Voldemort's return emerge as Harry's friends help him prepare for the Triwizard Tournament.
The OthersThe Others · 2001
The Others
7.62001
MovieHorrorMystery
Grace is a woman who lives in an old house kept dark because her two children, Anne and Nicholas, have a rare sensitivity to light. When the family begins to suspect the house is haunted, Grace fights to protect her children at any cost in the face of strange events and disturbing visions.
ShalakoShalako · 1968
Shalako
5.61968
MovieWestern
While guiding a hunting party of clueless European aristocrats, cowboy Bosky Fulton leads them into hostile Apache territory. Becoming separated from the group, Countess Irina Lazaar experiences the first run-in with an Apache, which results in the tracker Shalako coming to her rescue. Despite Shalako's warning to leave the area immediately, the pampered foreigners fail to take him seriously, leaving them in grave danger.
Splitting HeirsSplitting Heirs · 1993
Splitting Heirs
5.21993
MovieComedy
A member of the English upper class dies, leaving his estate and his business to an American, whom he thinks is his son who was lost as a baby and then found again. An Englishman who thinks he is an Indian comes to believe that he is actually the heir. He comes to hate the American who is his boss, his friend, and the man who has stolen the woman after whom he lusts.
Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 MinutesThose Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes · 1965
Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes
6.81965
MovieComedy
In order to boost circulation of his newspaper, Lord Rawnsley announces an air race and offers £10,000 to the first person who can fly across the English Channel. But one of the participants, Percy, plots to sabotage his competitor's planes. Will Percy triumph?
Monte Carlo or Bust!Monte Carlo or Bust! · 1969
Monte Carlo or Bust!
5.91969
MovieAdventureComedy
Sequel to "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines". This time an international car rally from England to Monte Carlo provides the comedic farce.
The BargeeThe Bargee · 1964
The Bargee
7.01964
MovieComedy
After a lock-keeper entrusts his daughter to a canal Casanova, he is shocked to learn that she is pregnant. He then refuses to open his locks - causing barges to pile up in every direction until the guilty party confesses.
Absolute BeginnersAbsolute Beginners · 1986
Absolute Beginners
5.51986
MovieDramaMusic
A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...

Movies

Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire · 2005
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7.82005
MovieAdventureFantasy
When his name emerges from the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter becomes a competitor in a grueling battle for glory among three wizarding schools. Signs of Voldemort's return emerge as Harry's friends help him prepare for the Triwizard Tournament.
The OthersThe Others · 2001
The Others
7.62001
MovieHorrorMystery
Grace is a woman who lives in an old house kept dark because her two children, Anne and Nicholas, have a rare sensitivity to light. When the family begins to suspect the house is haunted, Grace fights to protect her children at any cost in the face of strange events and disturbing visions.
ShalakoShalako · 1968
Shalako
5.61968
MovieWestern
While guiding a hunting party of clueless European aristocrats, cowboy Bosky Fulton leads them into hostile Apache territory. Becoming separated from the group, Countess Irina Lazaar experiences the first run-in with an Apache, which results in the tracker Shalako coming to her rescue. Despite Shalako's warning to leave the area immediately, the pampered foreigners fail to take him seriously, leaving them in grave danger.
Splitting HeirsSplitting Heirs · 1993
Splitting Heirs
5.21993
MovieComedy
A member of the English upper class dies, leaving his estate and his business to an American, whom he thinks is his son who was lost as a baby and then found again. An Englishman who thinks he is an Indian comes to believe that he is actually the heir. He comes to hate the American who is his boss, his friend, and the man who has stolen the woman after whom he lusts.
Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 MinutesThose Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes · 1965
Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes
6.81965
MovieComedy
In order to boost circulation of his newspaper, Lord Rawnsley announces an air race and offers £10,000 to the first person who can fly across the English Channel. But one of the participants, Percy, plots to sabotage his competitor's planes. Will Percy triumph?
Monte Carlo or Bust!Monte Carlo or Bust! · 1969
Monte Carlo or Bust!
5.91969
MovieAdventureComedy
Sequel to "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines". This time an international car rally from England to Monte Carlo provides the comedic farce.
The BargeeThe Bargee · 1964
The Bargee
7.01964
MovieComedy
After a lock-keeper entrusts his daughter to a canal Casanova, he is shocked to learn that she is pregnant. He then refuses to open his locks - causing barges to pile up in every direction until the guilty party confesses.
Absolute BeginnersAbsolute Beginners · 1986
Absolute Beginners
5.51986
MovieDramaMusic
A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...
Theatre of BloodTheatre of Blood · 1973
Theatre of Blood
6.71973
MovieComedyHorror
A Shakespearean actor takes poetic revenge on the critics who denied him recognition.
Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland · 1985
Alice in Wonderland
1985
MovieFantasyAdventure
Anglia Television's 5 episode TV miniseries adaption of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland was inspired and based upon an early production put on by the famous Da Silva Puppets group at the Norwich Puppet Theatre.
The Big FreezeThe Big Freeze · 1993
The Big Freeze
6.71993
MovieComedyTV Movie
A silent comedy. Two accident-prone plumbers go to fix the plumbing at a home for retired gentle-folk on the coldest day of the year in Finland. Everything that can go wrong for these plumbers goes wrong.
Village of DaughtersVillage of Daughters · 1962
Village of Daughters
6.71962
MovieComedy
A salesman from England is picked to select one girl in an Italian town who will become a bride for a native son.
Three SistersThree Sisters · 2003
Three Sisters
2003
Movie
Nearly a thousand miles away from their beloved Moscow, Chekhov's Three Sisters live in virtual exile. Olga, a schoolmistress, attempts to support her siblings and the home that is the sole legacy of their late father.
Rotten to the CoreRotten to the Core · 1965
Rotten to the Core
6.51965
MovieCrimeComedy
Rogues Jelly Knight, Scapa Flood, and Lennie the Dip leave prison expecting boss The Duke to have their stash ready to share out. Instead, Duke's girl Sara gives them the news Duke is dead and the money gone on nursing care. They soon discover that Duke is actually running Hope Springs Nature Clinic with the help of most of the local villains. Very strange - and the nearby army camp and Sara's encouragement of Lieutenant Vine would seem to be no coincidence either. Written by Jeremy Perkins
Kill or CureKill or Cure · 1962
Kill or Cure
5.71962
MovieComedyMystery
A private eye is hired to go undercover at a health farm, but before he can find out why his client is murdered.
Tommy Cooper - The Magic TouchTommy Cooper - The Magic Touch · 1993
Tommy Cooper - The Magic Touch
1993
Movie
Tommy Cooper, the hapless magician who was in a league of his own, is joined here by a star-studded selection of guests in previously unseen extracts from his classic TV series. The guests include Penny Meredith, Eric Sykes, Henry Cooper and Norman Rossington.
The Big ScreenThe Big Screen · 1973
The Big Screen
1973
MovieDocumentary
Two of Britain's leading film directors - John Schlesinger and Gerald Thomas - share the anxiety, hopes and risks experienced by those involved with the movie industry. The Big Screen follows the production of four British films: the eighth James Bond film Live and Let Die, The Optimists of Nine Elms, science fiction-thriller The Final Programme and The 14. Actors Peter Sellers, David Hemmings, Jon Finch, Roger Moore and Jenny Runacre are among those seen at work.
The LiquidatorThe Liquidator · 1965
The Liquidator
6.31965
MovieActionComedy
Lighthearted spy drama about Boysie Oakes, who takes a nice job with the British Secret Service, enjoys all the perks, and signs all the forms before learning that his job depends on murdering people, and not romancing all the beautiful civilian staff in Whitehall.
Charley's AuntCharley's Aunt · 1977
Charley's Aunt
5.01977
Movie
Eric Sykes stars in his own adaptation of the world famous stage play Charley's Aunt. When Donna Lucia is unable to chaperone Amy and Kitty to lunch, Charley and Jack must find somebody to act as Donna Lucia if the girls they love are to attend their tea party. Anybody will do, which means the farce has only just begun...
The Spy with a Cold NoseThe Spy with a Cold Nose · 1966
The Spy with a Cold Nose
4.01966
MovieComedy
A dog with a spying device under its skin is sent to the Russian government as a present. When the Russians send the dog to a veterinary, British intelligence must get to the dog first and retrieve the spying device.
One Way PendulumOne Way Pendulum · 1965
One Way Pendulum
6.01965
MovieComedy
A study of absurdity in a suburban family: father recreates the Old Bailey in the living room while the son teaches speak-your-weight machines to sing in the attic.
The Boys in BlueThe Boys in Blue · 1982
The Boys in Blue
5.51982
MovieComedyFamily
Sgt. Cannon (Tommy Cannon) and PC Ball (Bobby Ball) run the police station in the quiet town of Little Botham. When the station is threatened with closure due to a lack of crime, they decide to invent some crimes to justify their existence. When they try to steal a painting from a local rich businessman (Roy Kinnear), they accidently stumble across a gang of real art thieves who have just stolen £1 million worth of paintings. It is up to the two bungling cops to stop them escaping with their haul.
Eric Sykes: One of the Great TroupersEric Sykes: One of the Great Troupers · 1981
Eric Sykes: One of the Great Troupers
1981
MovieDocumentary
With film clips and photos, Eric Sykes gives a tongue-in-cheek account of his follies and fortunes as an actor, gag writer, and comedian in a long and successful career in the theatre, on radio and television. He pays tribute to his friends in showbusiness and in particular to Hattie Jacques, Richard Wattis and the team of his long-running Sykes series.
Orders Are OrdersOrders Are Orders · 1954
Orders Are Orders
6.61954
MovieComedy
An American movie company wants to shoot a science-fiction film using a British army barracks as a location, and its soldiers as actors.

TV Shows

Agatha Christie's PoirotAgatha Christie's Poirot · 1989
Agatha Christie's Poirot
8.21989
SeriesCrimeDrama
From England to Egypt, accompanied by his elegant and trustworthy sidekicks, the intelligent yet eccentrically-refined Belgian detective Hercule Poirot pits his wits against a collection of first class deceptions.
WoganWogan · 1982
Wogan
5.31982
Series
Chat show hosted by Terry Wogan, featuring live studio interviews with famous and notable personalities.
Sherlock HolmesSherlock Holmes · 1984
Sherlock Holmes
8.21984
SeriesCrimeDrama
Sherlock Holmes uses his abilities to take on cases by private clients and those that the Scotland Yard are unable to solve, along with his friend Dr. Watson.
HeartbeatHeartbeat · 1992
Heartbeat
7.21992
SeriesCrimeDrama
Set during the 1960s in the fictional North Yorkshire village of Aidensfield, this enduringly popular series interweaves crime and medical storylines.
The South Bank ShowThe South Bank Show · 1978
The South Bank Show
5.61978
SeriesDocumentary
The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.
New TricksNew Tricks · 2004
New Tricks
7.32004
SeriesDramaComedy
New Tricks is a British comedy-drama that follows the work of the fictional Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad of the Metropolitan Police Service. Originally led by Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman, it is made up of retired police officers who have been recruited to reinvestigate unsolved crimes.
Last of the Summer WineLast of the Summer Wine · 1973
Last of the Summer Wine
7.11973
SeriesComedy
Unencumbered by wives, jobs or any other responsibilities, three senior citizens who've never really grown up explore their world in the Yorkshire Dales. They spend their days speculating about their fellow townsfolk and thinking up adventures not usually favored by the elderly. Last of the Summer Wine premiered as an episode of Comedy Playhouse in 1973. The show ran for 295 episodes until 2010. It is the longest running comedy Britain has produced and the longest running sitcom in the world.
SykesSykes · 1972
Sykes
6.71972
SeriesComedy
Classic sitcom starring Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques as brother and sister twins who have to tackle the trials and tribulations of suburban life.
Hancock's Half HourHancock's Half Hour · 1956
Hancock's Half Hour
7.41956
SeriesComedy
Hancock's Half Hour is a BBC television comedy series of the 1950s and 60s written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. The series starred Tony Hancock with Sid James. The final series, renamed simply Hancock, starred Hancock alone. Comedian Tony Hancock starred in the show, playing an exaggerated and much poorer version of his own character and lifestyle, Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock, a down-at-heel comedian living at the dilapidated 23 Railway Cuttings in East Cheam. The series was influential in the development of the situation comedy, with its move away from radio variety towards a focus on character development.
dinnerladiesdinnerladies · 1998
dinnerladies
7.51998
SeriesComedy
Dinnerladies is a BBC sitcom written by and starring Victoria Wood that chronicles the antics of a group of workers in a canteen in the north of England. Bren tries to maintain a semblance of order in amongst the chaos, while dealing with the canteen supervisor, slightly sex-obsessed cancer sufferer Tony. Dolly and Jean are the bickering menopausal older women, always at odds but best friends beneath it all. Then there's thick-as-two-short-planks Anita, and the terminally uninterested Twinkle, more concerned with having a good time than anything else. Making up the motley crew are military man handyman Stan, all rules and regulations, and ditzy Philippa, who never seems to get anything right.
The Return of Sherlock HolmesThe Return of Sherlock Holmes · 1986
The Return of Sherlock Holmes
8.41986
SeriesMysteryCrime
In the second series of the widely celebrated ITV detective programme, Dr John Watson finds a mystery in an empty house, while Holmes and he later solve the mysteries of an abbey grange, the Musgrave ritual, a second stain, a man with a twisted lip, the priory school, and a half-dozen plaster busts of Bonaparte.
GormenghastGormenghast · 2000
Gormenghast
7.02000
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyMystery
At the Castle of Gormenghast, the Groan family has ruled with dusty ceremony for more than seventy generations. A clever and ambitious new kitchen boy, Steerpike, begins to insinuate himself into the affections of Lady Fuchsia Groan and to murder his way to power.
Sykes and a...Sykes and a... · 1960
Sykes and a...
7.31960
SeriesComedy
A black-and-white British sitcom starring Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques that aired on BBC1 from 1960 to 1965. It was written by Eric Sykes, Johnny Speight, John Antrobus and Spike Milligan. It was the first television series to feature both Sykes and Jacques, who later starred in 'Sykes and a Big, Big Show' and 'Sykes'.
The Cannon & Ball ShowThe Cannon & Ball Show · 1979
The Cannon & Ball Show
1979
SeriesComedy
A comedy variety show featuring the double act of Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball.
Curry and ChipsCurry and Chips · 1969
Curry and Chips
6.51969
SeriesComedy
Curry and Chips is a British sitcom broadcast in 1969 which was produced by London Weekend Television for the ITV network. Set on a factory floor of 'Lillicrap Ltd', it starred a blacked up Spike Milligan as an Asian immigrant who went by the name of Kevin O'Grady. It also featured Eric Sykes as the foreman, Norman Rossington as the shop steward, and other regulars were Kenny Lynch, and Sam Kydd. The series was written by Till Death Us Do Part writer Johnny Speight, but based on idea by Milligan. It was the first LWT sitcom to be made in colour, and all episodes still exist.
The Story of Light EntertainmentThe Story of Light Entertainment · 2006
The Story of Light Entertainment
5.02006
SeriesComedyDocumentary
The Story of Light Entertainment is a British documentary series shown on the BBC in 2006. The series comprises eight episodes and is narrated by Stephen Fry.
Roamin' HolidayRoamin' Holiday · 1961
Roamin' Holiday
1961
Series
The Englishman on holiday? That is the theme of Roamin' Holiday, ATV's series starring Max Bygraves as the Englishman. The scene is the Italian Riviera Resort of Alassio. Against this setting, a holiday tonic to relieve the gloom of winter for viewers at home, the series will feature comedy situations and musical numbers. With Max at large in the town mingling with their residence and thronging holiday makers. Max's 13-year-old son Anthony, who sang with his father at the London Palladium last September, will appear in four episodes of the Roamin' Holiday.
Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland · 1985
Alice in Wonderland
1985
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
Anglia Television's 5 episode adaption of Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland was inspired and based upon an early production put on by the famous Da Silva Puppets group at the Norwich Puppet Theatre.