Sunday, February 12, 2012

David Kelly Dies Aged 82

 
Very sad news, the great Irish actor David Kelly has died in hospital after a short illness. He was 82. He was one of the most recognisable voices and faces of Irish stage and screen, playing everything from Beckett to Shakespeare.

He was best known in Ireland for his performance as 'Rashers' Tierney in Strumpet City. His memorable appearance in Fawlty Towers, as the builder O'Reilly, brought him to a British and wider audience.

He was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for his role in Waking Ned and also received an IFTA lifetime achievement award and a Helen Hayes award for Moons for the Misbegotten. In 2005, he appeared as Charlie's grandad in Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where he formed a close friendship with Johnny Depp who declared Kelly as his hero.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie, his son David and daughter Miriam.