Home / Arts and Entertainment / Father Ted Star Ben Keaton Dies at 70
Father Ted Star Ben Keaton Dies at 70
23 Mar
Summary
- Actor Ben Keaton, known for Father Ted, has died at age 70.
- He had a diverse career in TV, film, and theatre.
- Keaton also wrote for children's television and created Brainiac Live.
Actor Ben Keaton, celebrated for his role as Father Austin Purcell in the beloved comedy Father Ted, has died at the age of 70. He passed away on Friday at Lincoln County Hospital, as announced on Sunday. Keaton's career was notably diverse, encompassing numerous television roles in shows such as Casualty, Emmerdale, and Doctors, alongside significant contributions to theatre and film.
Beyond his acting performances, Keaton was a prolific writer. He penned episodes for children's programs like Balamory and Gumtree, and created Brainiac Live, an arena adaptation of a SKY science show that earned an Olivier Award for Best Family Show. He also received an Olivier nomination and a Perrier Award for his solo show, 'Intimate Memoirs of a Taxidermist'.
In 2024, Keaton delighted fans by reuniting with Father Ted castmates for an appearance at Comic Con in Belfast. He had previously returned to his Father Ted character in 2014 for a stand-up routine and pub quizzes. Keaton also co-founded a media production company with his son, focusing on online content creation.
