As we reported earlier today, veteran Irish actor and comedy icon Frank Kelly passed away at the age of 77.

Kelly, who had been suffering from Parkinson's Disease, was survived by his wife, Bairbre Neldon and his children and grandchildren. Leading tributes to the man was Graham Linehan, who wrote Father Ted alongside Arthur Matthews during its successful run on Channel 4.

 

The tragic coincidence that Kelly should pass on the same day as Dermot Morgan, who passed away 18 years ago today, was noted by many. Rob Morgan, Dermot's son, took to Twitter to offer tributes to Kelly.

 

It's undeniable that Fr. Ted, and by extension Frank Kelly, had a huge impact on Irish popular culture. Two cartoonists, Rob Stears and Darren Birdie, posted heartfelt creations of the loss, with many fans chiming in on the sad news.

 

 

Many also noted Kelly's time with Hall's Pictorial Weekly, working alongside Niall Toibin and Eamon Morrissey, as well as his appearance on Top of the Pops singing his one-hit wonder, Christmas Countdown.

 

We lost an icon today. He could have been Pope.