Fergus O’Kelly, who played the ‘laughing priest’ Father Barty Dunne in Father Ted, has sadly passed away.
The news was made public by Fergus’ daughter Deirdre O’Kelly who posted the following words on Twitter on Saturday: ‘My Dad Fergus died yesterday, most of you will know him as the Laughing Priest Father Barty Dunne from Father Ted. He was also a wonderful singer who touched many people’s hearts. Keep laughing and singing Dad, we love you.’
My Dad Fergus died yesterday, most of you will know him as the Laughing Priest Father Barty Dunne from #FatherTed. He was also a wonderful singer who touched many people's hearts.
Keep laughing and singing Dad, we love you💜🎵 pic.twitter.com/JeuPcVU5aY— Deirdre O'Kelly 🕷🎵🇪🇺🇬🇧🇮🇪#FBLC #FBPE (@deeokelly1) November 7, 2020
Fergus appeared as Barty Dunne in the series one episode Competition Time, as an associate of television personality Henry Sellers. In a number of scenes, Barty was seen getting under the skin of Henry, Ted and others with his constant laughter and his request to use the “old heh heh”.
Since the news of Fergus’ death emerged, a number of Father Ted fan sites have paid tribute to the much-loved actor…
RIP to the wonderful Fergus O'Kelly, who played the always laughing Fr. Barty Dunne in Father Ted.
"The old eh eh" pic.twitter.com/gPfDxsC8T8
— Father Ted Quote of the Day (@FrTedQOTD) November 10, 2020
Rest in peace, Fergus. We’ll never forget the time Father Jack lost his slippers.
