FATHER Ted is a cult classic comedy that aired back in the mid-90s.
Known for its wacky storylines, and even more bonkers characters, the hit show sadly came to an abrupt end when one of the cast died suddenly.
Father Ted was a huge hit for Channel Four in the mid-90s
Where are the cast of Father Ted now?
Father Ted hit our screens in 1995 on Channel 4, but came to end in 1998 when tragedy struck.
The sitcom focused on three errant priests – Father Ted Crilly, Father Dougal McGuire and Father Jack Hackett – who had been exiled to a remote island parish.
The show followed their crazy antics on the fictional Craggy Island. all while being looked after by their bonkers housekeeper Mrs Doyle.
Father Ted was also the launchpad for some of Ireland’s most successful actors, and also Britain’s number one talk show host.
MAN BEHIND THE PROEST
What was Father Ted star Dermot Morgan's cause of death?
Dermot Morgan as Father Ted Crilly
The late Dermot Morgan played the titular character of Father Ted
Leading character Father Ted was played by Irish star Dermot Morgan.
Before the show started, he was well known to Irish audiences having written and appeared in comedies on RTE, Ireland’s main broadcaster.
But it was playing Father Ted which really brought him into the spotlight.
Sadly as his career took off he died suddenly aged 45 in 1998.
The comedian was hosting a dinner party when he suffered a heart attack.
His sister Denise – who was with him at the time – said in a statement: “He wasn’t feeling great at the end of the meal and I went to the bedroom with him. He had a heart attack and I didn’t recognise it.
“From my limited training in first aid, I wasn’t sure exactly what was happening.
“The symptoms didn’t match what the books said. I said to him ‘I think you are okay’ and we went back to the table.
“He apologised for having left the room and the next thing he just collapsed.
“We tried to resuscitate him but it didn’t work. He had a massive heart attack.”
Frank Kelly as Father Jack
Frank Kelly played the drunken Father Jack
Who can forget the grisly Father Jack, who drank and swore all day.
His limited vocabulary was restricted to “Drink!”, “Feck!” “A***!”, and “Girls!”
Actor Frank Kelly enjoyed a successful career after Father Ted ended, which even included a role in Emmerdale as Dermot, Declan Macey’s father.
Sadly in 2016 he suffered a heart attack and died at the age of 77, leaving behind his wife Bairbre Neldon.
Ardal O’Hanlon as Father Dougal McGuire
Ardal O’Hanlon played the hapless Father Dougal McGuire
Fans will remember the dimwitted Father Dougal, who was Ted’s sidekick (but often the cause of his troubles).
Now a huge star, actor Ardal O’Hanlon, who played the hapless priest, has seen his career go from strength to strength since Father Ted finished.
He is best known for taking the lead in Death In Paradise as Detective Jack Mooney, from 2017 until 2020.
But Ardal is also known for starring in Channel 4 smash hit, Derry Girls.
Pauline McLynn as Mrs Doyle
Who can forget Pauline McLynn’s Mrs Doyle
Actress Pauline McLynn had Father Ted fans ins stitches with her Mrs Doyle, and her “go on, go on, go on” catchphrase.
Despite her appearance on the show as a housekeeper in her 60s, she was only 33 when she took on the role.
Since Father Ted ended, Pauline has appeared on numerous panel shows, and even starred in the film adaptation of the book Angela’s Ashes .
The comedy star also appeared alongside French and Saunders in their BBC sitcom, Jam & Jerusalem.
Other shows Pauline is known for include Shameless, EastEnders, and Doctor Who.
Graham Norton as Father Noel Furlong
Graham Norton is the biggest star to come out of Father Ted
Last, but by no means least we have Father Noel Furlong, who was played by Graham Norton.
Although he wasn’t one of the main characters on the show, he was hugely popular, and the role made a star out of Graham.
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Of course EVERYONE knows where the actor is now, as he is a multi-millionaire superstar TV host, with his own show.
Graham can be found on TV on Friday nights, interviewing A-List stars in his huge red chair.
