Father Ted star Frank Kelly, who played Father Jack, dies aged 77

Father Ted star Frank Kelly has passed away at the age of 77.



The actor was known for playing Father Jack on the sitcom alongside the late Dermot Morgan and Ardal O'Hanlon.

Kelly died earlier today (February 28), which is also the 18th anniversary of Dermot Morgan's death, RTE News reports.

Father Ted ​creator Graham Linehan paid tribute to Kelly, writing: "Just hearing from various sources that Frank Kelly has passed away. Terribly sad news. Thanks for everything, Frank.​"

Kelly is survived by his wife Bairbre, his 7 children and 17 grandchildren.

The actor played Father Jack Hackett for 25 episodes on Father Ted between 1995 and 1998.

He began his acting career in the late 1960s, appearing in Wanderly Wagon and uncredited as a prisoner in The Italian Job.

More recently, he showed up in Emmerdale and Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie.