Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Lauren Morris

Shock as Father Ted actor dies suddenly aged 69

  • Irish actor Ben Keaton, known for his roles in Father Ted and Emmerdale has died at the age of 69.
  • His family announced his death in the Irish Times on Friday, describing it as "unexpected".
  • Keaton was best known for playing Father Austin Purcell, dubbed "the most boring priest in the world", in a 1996 episode of the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted.
  • He also appeared in Casualty, Doctors, and played Jeff, Rita Brannigan’s father, in Emmerdale.
  • Beyond television, Keaton had a distinguished theatre career, winning a Perrier Comedy Award and an Olivier Award for Best Family Show for Brainiac Live.

IN FULL

Father Ted actor Ben Keaton dies suddenly aged 69: ‘We are all in shock’

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
What Caused Kelly Osbourne's 'Scary' Look? Reality Star Claims She 'Can't Eat', Denies Ozempic Use
Kelly Osbourne discusses her weight loss journey, addressing rumors and the impact of her father Ozzy Osbourne's death.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Bonnie Blue Pregnancy Update: Adult Star Whips Off 'Fake Baby Bump' in Sordid Spring Break Meet and Greet
Bonnie Blue's latest spring break video from Cancun has raised doubts over her pregnancy claims after viewers noted the apparent disappearance of her earlier bump.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
‘Vas Madness’ shows the power of messaging on men’s contraceptive decisions
Bracket-busting upsets, Cinderella stories, OT buzzer beaters – March Madness is here! Or, as some urologists think of it, vasectomy promotion season.
The Conversation
The Conversation
Can Cats Watch TV? What Do They Really See
How Cats See the World Cats see blues and yellows best, not bright reds or greens To understand what cats see on TV we have to answer the question how they see. Cats lack the coloring that human beings possess. The black and white world does not exist in their…
Times Pets
Times Pets
Couples share 30% of their gut bacteria. Here’s how that may affect health
When living with a partner, you might be sharing more than just the same home, lifestyle and interests. You might also share various microscopic organisms residing on and in you.
The Conversation
The Conversation
Valerie Perrine, Superman and Lenny actor, dies aged 82
Perrine gained notoriety for a naked TV role and was acclaimed for her roles opposite Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman and Jeff Bridges
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play