History of Sean Lock in Timeline

Sean Lock was a celebrated English comedian and actor known for his stand-up routines and appearances on British television. He garnered recognition early in his career, winning the British Comedy Award for Best Live Comic in 2000 and receiving a nomination for the prestigious Perrier Comedy Award. Lock gained widespread popularity through his long-standing role as a team captain on the Channel 4 panel shows "8 Out of 10 Cats" and "8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown," where his quick wit and observational humor were showcased for over a decade. His successful career ended with his passing in 2021.

April 1963: Sean Lock's Birth and Upbringing

Born in Chertsey, Surrey in April 1963, Sean Lock was the youngest of four children. He grew up in Woking, where he attended St John the Baptist School.

1979: Influence of "Stalker" Film

During his teenage years, Sean Lock was deeply affected by Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 science-fiction film "Stalker."

1981: Leaving Education and Early Employment

Sean Lock completed his education in 1981. He then took on a job stripping concrete panels off buildings, arranged by his father.

1988: First Paid Comedy Gig

Sean Lock's first official paid comedy gig took place at a pub in Stoke Newington, London, in 1988. This marked a turning point in his journey towards a career in comedy.

1990: Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Sean Lock received a skin cancer diagnosis in 1990, which he attributed to sun exposure during his time as a builder.

1993: Collaboration with Newman and Baddiel

The year 1993 saw Sean Lock take on a supporting role alongside comedy duo Rob Newman and David Baddiel in their series "Newman and Baddiel in Pieces."

1995: Guest Appearance in "The World of Lee Evans"

Sean Lock made a memorable guest appearance as an escaped murderer in an episode of "The World of Lee Evans" in 1995.

December 1998: Launch of "15 Minutes of Misery"

Sean Lock launched his own radio show, "15 Minutes of Misery," on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998. The show, initially a five-episode pilot, featured a unique premise of eavesdropping on neighbours.

1999: Expansion into "15 Storeys High"

Building on the success of "15 Minutes of Misery," Sean Lock co-wrote and starred in "15 Storeys High," which ran for two series on radio from 1999.

1999: Continuation of "15 Minutes of Misery"

Lock's "15 Minutes of Misery" was expanded into a full series, running for six episodes in late 1998 and early 1999.

2000: British Comedy Award Win

Sean Lock's talent earned him the prestigious British Comedy Award in the category of Best Live Comic in 2000.

2001: Screenwriting Debut with "This Filthy Earth"

Sean Lock showcased his writing skills in 2001 by writing the screenplay for the film "This Filthy Earth," directed by Andrew Kötting and based on Émile Zola's novel "La Terre."

2002: "15 Storeys High" Television Debut

"15 Storeys High" transitioned to television in 2002, airing for two series on BBC Choice and later gaining a cult following.

2004: Conclusion of "15 Storeys High"

After a successful run on both radio and television, "15 Storeys High" concluded in 2004.

2004: Birth of First Daughter

Sean Lock and his wife, Anoushka Nara Giltsoff, welcomed their first daughter in 2004.

2004: Guest Appearance on "Top Buzzer"

Sean Lock continued to make guest appearances on television, including a spot on the comedy show "Top Buzzer" in 2004.

2005: 8 Out of 10 Cats Journey Begins

Sean Lock became a regular team captain on the popular Channel 4 panel show, "8 Out of 10 Cats," in 2005.

2005: Joining "8 Out of 10 Cats"

Sean Lock's comedic presence graced the Channel 4 panel show "8 Out of 10 Cats" from 2005, where he quickly became a fan favorite as a team captain.

2006: Hosting "TV Heaven, Telly Hell" and Narrating "World Cup Goals Galore"

Sean Lock further showcased his versatility in 2006 by hosting his own entertainment show, "TV Heaven, Telly Hell," and lending his voice to narrate the BBC production "World Cup Goals Galore."

2006: Birth of Second Daughter

Sean Lock's family grew further in 2006 with the birth of his second daughter.

2007: Sean Lock Ranked 55th Greatest Stand-Up Comic

In 2007, Sean Lock was ranked the 55th greatest stand-up comedian on Channel 4's list of "100 Greatest Stand-Ups".

2007: Recognition as a Top Stand-Up Comic

Sean Lock's comedic brilliance led to him being ranked the 55th-greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4's "100 Greatest Stand-Ups" in 2007.

2008: Appearance on "The Big Fat Quiz of the Year"

Sean Lock joined the ranks of comedians participating in "The Big Fat Quiz of the Year" in 2008, teaming up with James Corden.

2009: Becoming "The Curator" on "The Museum of Curiosity"

In 2009, Sean Lock took on the mantle of "The Curator" for the second radio series of "The Museum of Curiosity," succeeding Bill Bailey.

2009: Birth of Son

Sean Lock and Anoushka Nara Giltsoff celebrated the birth of their son in 2009.

2010: Rise in Stand-Up Comedy Ranking

In 2010, Sean Lock's ranking on Channel 4's "100 Greatest Stand-Ups" improved significantly, climbing to the 19th spot.

2010: Performing at Channel 4's Comedy Gala

Sean Lock used his platform for a good cause in 2010 by performing at Channel 4's Comedy Gala, a benefit show supporting Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

2010: Sean Lock Climbs to 19th on Greatest Stand-Up Comic List

Sean Lock's ranking on Channel 4's "100 Greatest Stand-Ups" improved to 19th in the updated 2010 list.

2011: Hosting "Argumental"

Sean Lock's hosting duties expanded in 2011 when he took the helm of the Dave comedy panel show "Argumental," succeeding John Sergeant.

May 2012: Supporting Sun Awareness

Sean Lock showed his support for sun awareness initiatives in May 2012 by participating in an event at Guy's Hospital in London.

2012: Joining 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

Sean Lock added another comedic feather to his cap in 2012 by joining the spin-off show, "8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown."

2015: Departing "8 Out of 10 Cats"

After a decade of entertaining audiences, Sean Lock left "8 Out of 10 Cats" in 2015.

2019: Guest Appearance in "Mandy"

Sean Lock made a guest appearance in the BBC comedy series "Mandy" in 2019.

December 2020: Supporting Edible London Charity

Sean Lock lent his support to the Edible London charity in December 2020, participating in a video to help raise funds for their initiative to provide meals to those in need during lockdown.

August 2021: Tributes Pour in for Sean Lock

Following Sean Lock's death, numerous tributes were paid to him in August 2021 by fellow comedians, celebrities, and organizations such as Channel 4 and Chelsea F.C. A tribute show featuring his stand-up and an episode of "8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown" aired on Channel 4.

August 2021: Fan-Led Campaign for Sean Lock's Book and Show Release

In August 2021, fans of Sean Lock started a campaign for the publication of his book "The Tiger Who Came for a Pint" with proceeds going to cancer research. Additionally, there were calls for the BBC to make his show "15 Storeys High" available on iPlayer. Consequently, the BBC released both series of the show on their platform on August 27, 2021.

August 2021: Sean Lock's Passing

Sean Lock passed away in August 2021 at the age of 58. It was later revealed that he had been battling advanced lung cancer for several years.

2021: Passing While on "8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown"

Sean Lock remained a part of "8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown" until his passing in 2021.

August 2022: Bill Bailey's Charity Walk in Memory of Sean Lock

In August 2022, comedian Bill Bailey completed a 100-mile charity walk to honor Sean Lock's memory. The walk raised over £110,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.