Father Jack Actor Frank Kelly Dies Aged 77

His death was announced on the anniversary of the death of Dermot Morgan, who played Father Ted and who died of a heart attack on 28 February, 1998.

Pauline McLynn, Dermot Morgan, Frank Kelly and Ardal O'Hanlon

With Father Ted co-stars Pauline McLynn, Dermot Morgan and Ardal O'Hanlon

Kelly found fame outside his native Ireland playing the dissolute, foul-mouthed, hard-drinking Father Jack in three series and a Christmas special of the much-loved Channel 4 series between 1995 and 1998.

He was particularly well known for his yelled catchphrases, which included "Drink!" and "Girls!".

Graham Linehan, who created Father Ted with Arthur Matthews, tweeted: "Just hearing from various sources that Frank Kelly has passed away.

"Terribly sad news. Thanks for everything, Frank."

Dermot Morgan's son pointed out the coincidence of the date, tweeting: "Isn't life just weird? Frank Kelly going on Dad's anniversary."

A tweet from the Divine Comedy, who wrote the theme tune to Father Ted, said: "Farewell, Frank Kelly. A very talented actor & our beloved Father Jack <3 x."

Father-of-seven Kelly also appeared in Emmerdale and the films Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie, Evelyn and Rat.

An image of the actor was posted on the Emmerdale Twitter account with the caption: "Goodbye Frank Kelly, you will be sorely missed. x"

Irish president Michael D Higgins said he and his wife Sabrina had been "privileged" to count Kelly and his wife Bairbre as friends.

He added: ""He will for ever be remembered for his roles in the theatre and will be recalled with great affection and fondness for his roles on television, including in Wanderly Wagon, Glenroe and the much-loved Hall's Pictorial Weekly.

"His partnership with Dermot Morgan and the team in the Father Ted series brought him wide international acclaim."

In October Kelly revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

He told the Irish Sun: "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.

"I'm not going to let Parkinson's beat me. I'm just not that kind of person."

 He had previously battled bowel cancer, being given the all-clear in 2011.

Set on the fictional Craggy island, off the west coast of Ireland, Father Ted follows the lives of three eccentric priests living with their tea-loving housekeeper Mrs Doyle.

It won a string of awards including BAFTAs for Best Television Comedy in 1996 and 1999.

Ardal O'Hanlon, who played the third clergyman in the trio, Father Dougal, said: "Frank was an all-round talent, an institution in Irish entertainment, a very determined professional and he'll be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Actor David Morrissey tweeted: "Sad news about Frank Kelly. I know Father Ted was the thing everyone knew him for. I worked with him on The Deal and he was such a great guy."