Father Ted star Jon Kenny has died at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer. The Irish comedian and actor passed away at a hospital in Galway yesterday evening, his wife Margy confirmed. He had previously recovered from non-Hodgkins lymphoma in his 40s but announced in 2020 that his cancer had returned.
Jon, a Limerick native, shot to fame as one half of comedy duo D’Unbelievables alongside Pat Shortt. He also made cameos in Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted and recently had a role in Oscar-winning movie The Banshees of Inisherin.
Paying tribute, Jon’s heartbroken family said: ‘Jon grabbed life and shook it as hard as he could, getting every ounce of fun, madness and love from it – his wit, humour, generosity and kindness will outlast his passing.’ ‘The memories and stories of those who knew him will be his legend.’
They said he suffered a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Sunday and did not regain consciousness, RTE has reported.
Jon opened up about when he was first diagnosed with cancer in 2000, amidst the success of D’unbelievables. Speaking to Oliver Callan on RTE Radio One, he said: ‘It was tiring an wearing but it was fun and well I nearly killed myself. I got cancer at the beginning of 2000 and I had no choice but to take a step back. Over the space of two years I was on different forms of treatment.’
Tributes have poured in for the legendary comedian, who had been due to perform at The Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville this evening. Taoiseach Simon Harris said Jon was a ‘gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker.’ ‘Jon had the ability, that very few people possess, to make his audiences crack up laughing with a glance or a single word,’ he said. ‘Behind that seemingly effortless talent to joke, there was a gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker. Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D’Unbelievables.’
One fan said: ‘Jon Kenny was an absolute icon. He was a comic genius and gave years of joy to so many people.’
Conclusion:
Jon Kenny’s passing is a significant loss to the comedy world and Irish entertainment. His legacy will live on through his many iconic performances and the laughter he brought to countless people. His family, friends, and fans will miss him dearly.
FAQs:
Q: What was Jon Kenny’s cause of death?
A: Jon Kenny died from a cardiac arrest after a long battle with cancer.
Q: What was Jon Kenny’s age at the time of his death?
A: Jon Kenny was 66 years old at the time of his death.
Q: What was Jon Kenny’s most famous role?
A: Jon Kenny was best known for his role as one half of the comedy duo D’Unbelievables alongside Pat Shortt.
Q: What was Jon Kenny’s diagnosis in 2000?
A: Jon Kenny was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2000.
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