Father Ted star Jon Kenny dies. aged 66
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Irish actor and comedian Jon Kenny has passed away at the age of 66.
The Father Ted actor has died at the Galway Clinic, his wife Margy has reported, confirming the news on Friday, November 15.
Kenny battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in his 40s but managed to completely overcome it. Unfortunately, in 2020, the beloved comedian revealed that his cancer had come back.
In an interview with Oliver Callan on RTÉ this year, he shared, “I found out that my cancer returned. It appeared once again. I had dealt with it three or four years ago and underwent surgery to remove part of my left lung, which went well. I consider myself fortunate for that.”
"But didn't that guy show up again in my left lung? I've been fortunate lately because the chemotherapy is having a positive effect, so I've been doing well," he went on.
"Amid everything that was happening, I was just trying to keep moving forward. After my second round of chemotherapy, I received the unexpected news that I had heart failure. It felt like someone was tossing another ingredient into an already complicated mix—just another challenge to deal with."
Kenny, known for being part of the comedic duo D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt, rose to fame by playing Fred Rickwood in the iconic show Father Ted. He later appeared in the 1998 movie version of Les Misérables and landed a role in Jessie Kirby's horror film Insatiable, released in 2008.
The comedian was set to take the stage at The Schoolyard Theatre in Cork on Saturday, November 16. Unfortunately, the theatre informed everyone earlier this week that the performance has been called off.
Following the announcement of Kenny's passing, many tributes have come in. Simon Harris, the Taoiseach of Ireland, issued a statement expressing his deep sorrow: “I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of writer, actor, and comedian Jon Kenny. Jon had a rare talent that allowed him to bring laughter to his audiences with just a look or a single word."
Beneath his natural ability to make people laugh, there was a highly skilled artist and a profound thinker. Jon was a fascinating individual with a reflective mind, delivering remarkable performances both on stage and screen. The country is still enjoying the laughter brought by the unforgettable duo, D'Unbelievables.
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Last night, I was in his hometown of Limerick when I learned about his passing. To say that he was well-loved doesn’t quite capture it. I have a lot of respect for how candid and thoughtful Jon was when discussing his illness with Oliver Callan on the radio earlier this year.
"Everything he did felt genuine and relatable. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Jon’s family, friends, and the vast network of colleagues and acquaintances. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. May he find eternal peace."
Fans quickly turned to X/Twitter after learning about Kenny's passing. One user expressed, "Rest in Peace, Jon Kenny, a real icon of Irish Comedy. Shows like Crime Busters and Away in a Home won’t feel the same without him."
"Rest in peace to the legendary Jon Kenny. I wouldn’t be surprised if every home in Ireland that experienced the D’Unbelievables era still references lines from it," someone else commented.
"A cherished performer and a truly gifted individual who could excel in any role, infusing every character and song—be it humorous or serious—with genuine insight and warmth. May he find eternal rest."
