Frank Kelly, best known for his role on Father Ted as Father Jack Hackett has passed away. He was 77.
Kelly, whose roles also include an uncredited prison officer in the original Italian Job, Glenroe, Emmerdale, and Hall's Pictoral Weekly is survived by his wife Barbara, their seven children, and 17 grandchildren.
Kelly died on the 18th anniversary of his Father Ted co-star Dermot Morgan.
Fittingly, tributes have been pouring in for the actor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last October.
As if the day wasn't sad enough I'm sad to say the great Frank Kelly, the amazing Father Jack has passed away at 77. pic.twitter.com/9uoIjMQuLi
— Fr Dougal McGuire (@DougalMacGuire) February 28, 2016
Very sad to hear of Frank Kelly's passing.. Fr Ted is still the best comedy out there and way ahead of its time. RIP #frjack
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) February 28, 2016
Frank Kelly passes away on February 28, the 18th anniversary of the death of Dermot Morgan. Neither to ever be forgotten. RIP.
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) February 28, 2016
It takes a special actor to make a wonderfully rounded character from a baseline of four exclaimed words. Frank Kelly was just that. RIP.
— Paddy Duffy (@PaddyDuffy) February 28, 2016
I'm sad to hear about Frank Kelly; I interviewed him recently for the podcast and he was an absolute gent.He is a legend of Irish comedy RIP
— joe rooney (@joerooney1) February 28, 2016
Thank you Frank.
