Irish actor and comedian Jon Kenny dies aged 66
The Irish prime minister has paid tribute to comedian and actor Jon Kenny, who has passed away at the age of 66.
Kenny passed away on Friday night at the Galway Clinic, his wife Margie shared with the Limerick Leader on Saturday.
He gained fame as part of the comedy duo D’Unbelievables alongside Pat Shortt. Additionally, he had roles in films and shows such as Angela’s Ashes, Father Ted, The Van, and The Banshees of Inisherin.
In a recent announcement, the Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed his sorrow over the passing of writer, actor, and comedian Jon Kenny, calling him a "talented performer." He remarked, "I am deeply saddened to hear about Jon's death. He had a unique talent that only a handful of individuals have—the capacity to bring laughter to his audiences with just a look or a single word."
Beneath his seemingly natural ability to make people laugh, there was a skilled artist and a profound thinker. Jon was a captivating and reflective individual, known for his remarkable acting both on stage and in films. The audience continues to be entertained by the unforgettable performances he delivered with D’Unbelievables.
Last night, I was in Limerick, his hometown, when I heard the news of his passing. It's hard to express just how much he was cherished; beloved doesn’t quite capture it. I truly appreciated the genuine and thoughtful way Jon discussed illness with Oliver Callan on the radio earlier this year. As with all his endeavors, it felt deeply human and authentic.
"I sincerely extend my condolences to Jon's family, friends, and the vast network of colleagues and associates. I am genuinely sorry for your loss."
The Deputy Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, expressed his profound sadness over the loss of Jon Kenny, who was among our most celebrated actors and comedians.
"Jon brought joy to our lives through the D’Unbelievables and his performances both on stage and in front of the camera. He truly was a natural entertainer. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Margie, and his family during this difficult time."
Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, praised Kenny as a "comedic genius," noting, "Together with his partner Pat Shortt, he resonated with the distinct humor and cleverness of the Irish people in a truly remarkable way. His greatest legacy is that he brought laughter and joy to others."
"We will truly feel the absence of Jon Kenny. My sincerest sympathies go out to his wife, Margie, his children, his many friends, and everyone who held him dear."
The comedian Dara Ó Briain shared on X: "Jon was an incredibly kind and talented individual, and a true force in comedy. D’Unbelievables paved the way for many of us, engaging the audience and bringing them, sometimes literally, into their wild, imaginative world. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed."
The comedic pair Johnny “Smacks” McMahon and Johnny “B” O’Brien, who go by the name the Two Johnnies, shared on their Instagram: “A brilliant spark has been extinguished. The wonderfully eccentric Jon Kenny has passed away. He was not only hilariously funny but also incredibly kind, and he had a huge impact on us.”
The last time he visited us in Cahir to do a radio show, he surprised us with a gift of bananas and ended up eating half of them while we were broadcasting. They just don’t make characters like him anymore.
