iamthedoctor Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 The actor Frank Kelly, best known for playing foul-mouthed priest Father Jack in Father Ted, has died at the age of 77. Kelly was a veteran of stage and screen for 60 years, including stints on RTÉ's satirical show Hall's Pictorial Weekly and his much-loved, scene-stealing turn as Father Jack on Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted from 1995 to 1998. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Bairbre, 7 children and 17 grandchildren. Kelly passed away exactly 18 years since the death of his Father Ted co-star Dermot Morgan, who also died on a Sunday. Dermot Morgan's son, Don Morgan, remarked on the coincidence in a tweet. Ardal O'Hanlon, who played the gormless Father Dougal in the clerical sitcom, paid tribute to Kelly, calling him an all-round talent and an institution in Irish entertainment. "Very sad news. We had lunch together at Christmas when he was in his usual feisty form," O'Hanlon 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." Very Sad news to hear this. Father Ted was one of the best ever sitcoms out there. Loved that show when I was younger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitseleh Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 RIP. I also had no idea that Dermot Morgan passed away until I saw the news article about Frank Kelly. Tragic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyattSheepMask Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Very sad news. Freakish coincidence with the date though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid Members LaGoosh Posted February 28, 2016 Paid Members Share Posted February 28, 2016 His reading of "more water" to this day is one of the funniest things ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westlondonmist Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 RIP. I also had no idea that Dermot Morgan passed away until I saw the news article about Frank Kelly. Tragic. He famously died just after they'd wrapped up Father Ted. Incredibly sad that he never got to see its legacy. As I remember the final series had not even aired when he died. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVP RULZ Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 RIP. I also had no idea that Dermot Morgan passed away until I saw the news article about Frank Kelly. Tragic. He famously died just after they'd wrapped up Father Ted. Incredibly sad that he never got to see its legacy. As I remember the final series had not even aired when he died. He died less then 24 hours after filming the final scenes of the series, was that always planned as the final series? or did it become the Final series because of his death? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid Members Wretch Posted February 29, 2016 Paid Members Share Posted February 29, 2016 They'd decided to end it after three seasons, something the main cast of the show all agreed to. I remember reading somewhere that during the filming of the final episode, he kept complaining of chest pains during the scene where he's dancing to Shaft, so they had to redo it several times. He died of a heart attack less than 24 hours later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid Members Scott Malbranque Posted February 29, 2016 Paid Members Share Posted February 29, 2016 His reading of "more water" to this day is one of the funniest things ever. Every time I think of, or have thought of, or have heard the name 'Father Jack' since that episode first aired, that is the one line/scene that always comes into my head. The delivery is fucking priceless: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyattSheepMask Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 The writers said they had all kinds of offers from people to take over the role following the announcement of his death. This was before the third series had been broadcast so no-one knew it had been written as the final series. It wouldn't have worked at all if they recast Ted, or even carried it on in any way. Having it end the way it did was perfect for it, and at 25 episodes it didn't outstay it's welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbacon85 Posted February 29, 2016 Share Posted February 29, 2016 I went to school in St Margarets (Richmond, Twickenham) where Dermot lived. He was actually next door neighbour to a girl in my class. He used to say hello to us every day, every single day and have all the time in the world for us all. A beautiful man, wonderful actor, I cried my little eyes out when he died, and I didn't cry over family members dying. He, and the programme means so much to me. It's cliche and trite, but it is like a warm duvet being pulled over you. Made with such love and warmth. The writers said they had all kinds of offers from people to take over the role following the announcement of his death. This was before the third series had been broadcast so no-one knew it had been written as the final series. It wouldn't have worked at all if they recast Ted, or even carried it on in any way. Having it end the way it did was perfect for it, and at 25 episodes it didn't outstay it's welcome Should've done Father Ben as a stand alone episode Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid Members Surf Digby Posted February 29, 2016 Paid Members Share Posted February 29, 2016 No GIF seems to exist of Father Jack on the Whirly-go-round. I disapprove of this mightily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2Xtreme_lives Posted March 1, 2016 Share Posted March 1, 2016 Don't Fear! The World will provide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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