Sean Lock: The Best Cat
As my mum was driving me to get my first COVID-19 vaccination last week, she hit me with incredibly sad news,
“Oh, did you hear? Sean Lock died.”
I nodded solemnly, taking a moment to sink in what she said. Sean Lock. Comedian extraordinaire. 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Team Captain, former builder, and in general, an all round lovely bloke. A long fight with cancer brought to an end.
This handsome lad here.
Many celebrity deaths don’t affect me. I usually take a few minutes to ponder the art that they left the world, but typically I am able to move on.
It was much harder to do so for Sean Lock.
I couldn’t believe it. A man the age of my father, a man who brought laughter through such incredible wit, intelligence and speed via my television screen every night, a man who taught me that being competitive is fun when you have a good time. I was full of shock, sadness, and even a little anger.
I spent some time scrolling thorugh the All4 and Channel 4 Facebook pages, watching and reading all of the memorials and compilation videos of Sean Lock’s best moments. Reminding myself of how loved he was made me remember that when the life of a brilliant artist passes, we must celebrate the art they left behind.
As such, here are come of my favourite Sean Lock quotes:
“Interesting fact, a shark will only attack you if you’re wet.”
“People say churches are half empty. They’re not, they’re too big.”
“A bit of advice: never read a pop-up book about giraffes.”
Buzzfeed also put together an excellent compilation a few years ago.
He also taught me that a person can, all at once, be kind, non-judgmental, funny, intelligent and caring all in one go.
Sean Lock, I firstly thank you for teaching your audience to be smart, skeptical and smooth, just like how you tricked Jon Richardson for picking the wrong box both times (this is too funny not to watch).
Secondly, as a person who can easily fear the threat of judgment, thank you for teaching me that the most lovable version of yourself, is the truest version of yourself. The way you used your life experiences to build up your confidence, capabilities and calibre of humour is unparalleled (check out his hilarious ‘self-help’ books moment on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown).
Lastly, in this modern era, thank you for reminding us to make light of our lives, and to live with unencumbered joy and delight.
You will be forever missed. For now, I will be watching your best moments on Countdown. I encourage all readers to do the same.
__________
If not for yourselves, then in light of those who are immunocompromised, please remember to book in your COVID-19 vaccinations.
