'COMIC GENIUS'
Actor and comedian Jon Kenny dies age 66 as tributes paid to ‘gifted’ d’Unbelievables & Father Ted star
The Limerick man previously opened up about his cancer returning in 2020
ACTOR and comedian Jon Kenny has sadly died at the age of 66.
Jon was best known for being one half of the D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt and for his cameos on Father Ted.
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He also recently had a small role in Oscar-winning movie The Banshees of Inisherin.
The Limerick star passed away at Galway Clinic yesterday evening.
Jon was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2000 and it returned in 2020.
In March, he opened up about his first cancer diagnosis during the success of D'Unbelievables.
Speaking to Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio 1, he said: "It was tiring and wearing, but it was fun, and well, I nearly killed myself.
"I got cancer at the beginning of 2000 and I had no choice but to take a step back.
"Over the space of two years I was on different forms of treatment."
Jon was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in his early 40s but through extensive chemotherapy treatment he came out the other side.
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He added: "I got a stem cell transplant, thanks be to God, they sorted me out and I motored on for another while.
"My cancer came back then about three or four years ago.
"I had an operation to remove my left lung and that was grand."
A number of people have paid tribute to Jon after hearing the news of his passing.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said Jon was a "gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker."
He added: "It is with the utmost sadness that I have learned of the death of writer, actor and comedian Jon Kenny.
"Jon had the ability, that very few people possess, to make his audiences crack up laughing with a glance or a single word.
"Behind that seemingly effortless talent to joke, there was a gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker.
"Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D’Unbelievables.
";I was in his native Limerick last night when word of his death came through and to say he is beloved, is a huge understatement."
'Jon made us smile'
Tanaiste Micheál Martin added: "Deeply saddened at the passing of Jon Kenny, one of our most iconic actors & comedians.
"Through the D'Unbelievables, and his appearances on stage & on screen, Jon made us smile.
"He was an entertainer to his core. Deepest sympathies to his wife Margie & family at this time."
One fan said: "Rest in peace Jon Kenny, a true legend of Irish comedy.
";Crime Busters or Away in a Home will never be the same."
Another added: "Jon Kenny was an absolute icon.
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"He was a comic genius and gave years of joy to so many people.
"He will be sorely missed."
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