ERIC SYKES, who plays the enigmatic servant Mr. Tuttle, is renowned in Britain as a comedian, writer, director and actor. He began his career in the famed Oldham rep and then began writing for radio, including material for "The Goon Show." He then moved on to television, making his mark as the author for the acclaimed BBC classics "Pantomania," "Opening Night" and "Dress Spectaculars." In 1959, the BBC gave him his own TV series, which ran for 20 years and become the longest-running domestic comedy series in the history of British television.
As an actor, Sykes has been seen in more than 20 films, including "The Liquidator," "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines," "The Spy With a Cold Nose" and "Shalako" with Sean Connery. He continues to appear on stage regularly in Britain, most recently in the national tour of "Charley's Aunt." In 1986, Sykes was awarded an O.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.