HARRY POTTER Star Eric Sykes Dies at 89

Fox News reports that British actor Eric Sykes, who appeared in the HARRY POTTER film franchise, passed away yesterday at age 89 following a brief illness. The news was reported by his manager, Norma Farnes.

The British comedian and actor began his career as a script writer for BBC shows, including
the classic radio comedy, The Goon Show with the late Spike Milligan. His career included writing and acting credits in theater and film, including an appearance in The Others starring Nicole Kidman and in 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire', in which he portrayed Frank Bryce, the gardener of Riddle House.

Monty Python's Michael Palin commented that Sykes was, "one of the nicest, most decent men in the business and one of a kind."

The actor is survived by his wife, Eith Eleanore Milbrandt, and his four children.