Father Jack passes away on the anniversary of fellow Father Ted actor

FATHER TED actor, Frank Kelly has died at the age of 77. Famous for playing the character of Father Jack, the death of the much loved actor was on the anniversary of the death of fellow Father Ted actor Dermot Morgan who died on 28 February 1998. 

Kelly’s most celebrated role was that of Father Jack, the foul mouthed, alcoholic priest. The actor appeared in the show from 1995 to 1998 and his famous lines which resound with all Father Ted fans were ‘drink!’ and ‘Girls!’

Ardal O’Hanlon, who played Father Dougal, said: “Frank was an all-round talent, an institution in Irish entertainment, a very determined professional and he’ll be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

Father-of-seven Kelly had previously fought off bowel cancer in 2011. However in October Kelly stated that he had been given the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. 

The Bafta award winning comedy was set on the west coast of Ireland on the fictional Craggy Island where three unconventional priests and their tea lady all shared a house together. 

The Irish president Michael D Higgins also paid tribute to the actor, he said: “His partnership with Dermot Morgan and the team in the Father Ted series brought him wide international acclaim.”