RIP PAT MUSTARD
Pat Laffan dead – Father Ted and The Snapper star dies aged 79
The Irish actor was best known for playing Pat Mustard in Father Ted and Georgie Burgess in The Snapper
FATHER Ted star Pat Laffan has died aged 79.
The Irish actor was best known for playing Pat Mustard in Father Ted and Georgie Burgess in The Snapper.
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Pat's death was announced by his management this afternoon.
The Lisa Richards Agency said in a statement: "It is with tremendous sadness that we here at the Lisa Richards Agency can confirm Pat Laffan's passing today.
"He was a close friend, a mentor and a hugely important supporter of the company's founders.
"While Pat is perhaps still best remembered by Irish screen audiences for his portrayal of Mr Burgess in Roddy Doyle's film The Snapper (1993) and as Pat Mustard the notorious milk man in Father Ted (Channel 4, 1998), he had almost 40 film credits and 30 television credits to his name.
"All here will remember him first and foremost as our friend and mentor and we will miss him terribly. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."
Laffan was a member of the Abbey Theatre Company back in the 1960s and 1970s and directed in the Gate Theatre between the late '70s and early '80s.
He also appeared on popular TV series from BBC's EastEnders to RTE hit The Clinic.
HEARTFELT TRIBUTES
Father Ted creator Graham Linehan paid tribute this evening, saying it was a "pleasure" to work with Meath native Pat - who featured in the iconic Speed 3 episode of the Channel 4 hit series.
He tweeted: "Just heard the sad news that Pat Laffan who played Pat Mustard in Father Ted has died. Rest in peace, Pat, a pleasure to work with you."
Love/Hate actor Laurence Kinlan said: "I’m devastated to hear of the passing of the amazing Pat Laffan.
" I was very fortunate to get to work with him over the years. He was one funny man under his hard exterior. A gentle giant. He left us with some incredible performances, most notably as Georgie Burgess. RIP my friend."
'AN INCREDIBLE FORCE'
The Gate Theatre said Laffan had a "prolific career", tweeting: "Irish actor Pat Laffan has passed away.
"Over the years, Pat was an incredible force in the Irish theatre community and was no stranger to the Gate throughout his prolific career as an actor and director. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
The Abbey Theatre added: "Very sad to hear that Pat Laffan has passed away. His career at the Abbey started in 1961 and spanned five decades. He will be sorely missed."
And the Gaiety School of Acting - where Pat had been a board member - said: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing today of our board member, the respected actor Pat Laffan.
"The director, founder, board, staff and students of the Gaiety School of Acting express their sincere sympathies to Pat’s family and friends.
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"Pat was a former member of the Abbey Theatre Company in the 60s and 70s and Director of the Peacock Theatre in the 1970’s. He also directed in the Gate Theatre from 1979 to 1982.
"Pat will be remembered for his performances in films such as Warhorse, The Queen, Intermission, The Snapper and The General, and on television in The Clinic, Eastenders and Father Ted.
"Thank you Pat for playing such an important role within the GSA for many years, for the myriad memorable performances across stage and screen, and for being a great friend to the School."
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