Actor Frank Kelly, best known for playing Father Jack in Father Ted, has died today at the age of 77.
Kelly played the much-loved Father Jack on Channel 4's Father Ted from 1995 to 1998 alongside Dermot Morgan, who passed away 18 years ago today.
Last Novemeber the veteran actor revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease but was determined to keep working.
"I'm not going to let Parkinson's beat me. I'm just not that kind of person," he said to the Irish Sun the time.
"I've been working as an actor for over 50 years, and a shaky hand won't stop me.
“I remain open to offers for work on stage and screen. I'm quite available and my mobile is always on".
Kelly was diagnosed with the disease after he was admitted to hospital with heart failure.
"That's when they diagnosed the Parkinson's. It was my first diagnosis but I am quite confident that I have had this for years and years," he explained.
In 2011, Kelly received the all clear from bowel cancer after a five year battle and put all his energy into writing his autobiography entitled, The Next Gig.
"Memories can fade with the years so I thought it would be a good idea to get them down now".
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He also appeared in popular RTÉ soap Glenroe between 1999 and 2001 and appeared as the judge in Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie in 2014.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Bairbre, 7 children and 17 grandchildren.
