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Father Ted actor Ben Keaton has died, aged 69, with his family leading tributes to the Irish star.
Keaton, who was born Ben Burke-Kennedy, was best known for playing Father Austin Purcell in the Channel 4 show, appearing in a 1996 episode.
He later appeared in Casualty, Doctors, children’s programme Hububb and Emmerdale, in which he played Rita’s Brannigan’s father, Jeff.
While Keaton’s cause of death has not been announced, his family described his death as “unexpected”.
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Ben Keaton is survived by his son Waldo and daughter Daisy (BBC)
Keaton’s family announced his death in the Irish Times on Friday (20 March), writing: “Ben will be forever greatly missed, loved and fondly remembered by his ex-wife Polly, son Waldo and daughter Daisy, brothers Des and Thom, sister Jeanette.”
His ex-wife, Polly Kelly Keaton, also paid tribute to the actor on Facebook, writing: “So incredibly sorry to say Ben Keaton died last night. It was very sudden and we are all in shock.
“We had separated several years ago, but we had half a lifetime together and infuriated and made each other cry with laughter in equal measure.
“He was a great dad to Waldo and Daisy and the finest Groucho and Cyrano I have ever seen.”
Fans took to social media to remember the actor, with one writing: “RIP Ben Keaton! Father Austin Purcell- the most boring priest in the world- was one of my favourite guest characters!”
Another said: “A sudden and heartbreaking loss. Ben Keaton will be remembered for the laughter and memories he gave to so many.”
Ben Keaton won an Olivier last year for creating ‘Brainiac Live’ (X)
Keaton’s episode of the Channel 4 sitcom sees him play Father Austin, who is described by Ted (Dermot Morgan) as “the most boring priest in the world”. Decades after taking on the role, Keaton brought back Father Austin to host pub quizzes in character and in 2015, started his own webseries as the clergyman titled “Cook Like A Priest”.
Outside of his TV roles, Keaton established a career in theatre – appearing in runs of Cyrano de Bergerac, American Buffalo and Harvey at The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
He won the Perrier Comedy Award at Edinburgh Festival in 1986 for his stand-up work and was nominated for an Olivier after playing Groucho Marx in Animal Crackers in 1999.
Just last year, he took home an Olivier Award for Best Family Show after creating Brainiac Live, based on the Sky science show.