Irish comedian and actor Jon Kenny has died aged 66 after a battle with cancer.
His death was confirmed to local Irish newspaper The Limerick Leader by his family. In a staement, they said: It is with deep sadness, the family of Jon Kenny, his wife and soul-mate Margy, his son Aran and daughter Laya, wish to announce his passing yesterday, 15th November 2024 at 7.20pm, in hospital in Galway.
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“Jon had suffered a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Sunday 10th November at UHG (University Hospital Galway). He did not regain consciousness, but his entire family was by his side during this difficult time.
“Jon grabbed life and shook it as hard as he could, getting every ounce of fun, madness, and love from it – his wit, humour, generosity, and kindness will outlast his passing. The memories and stories of those who knew him will be his legend.”
The star was best known for his role as one half of the Irish comic duo d’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt.
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Shortt shared his own touching tribute to his long-time comedy partner, taking to X, formerly twitter with a compilation video of Kenny’s best moments.
Accompanying the video, Shortt wrote: “We are all devastated with the news of Jon passing and our thoughts are with Margy Aaron and Leah,” referencing Kenny’s wife and children.
“I was lucky to spend so many years touring with Jon and learning from him. Creating some great shows and videos. Hilarious hours in the rehearsal room and playing great tunes.
“But sitting in the kitchen with Margy (Kenny’s wife) and Caroline (Shortt’s wife) just having the craic in Lough Gur will never be forgotten. Thanks Jon.”
Irish President Michael D Higgins also gave a lengthy tribute to the comic.
“It is with great sadness that so many people, and in particular all those who appreciated his particular brand of humour, will have learned of the death of Jon Kenny,” he began.
“With his impeccable, natural talent for humour and an ability to raise a laugh with just the slightest action, Jon brought so much joy and laughter in his work with Pat Shortt as one half of the D’Unbelievables. Immensely popular amongst all his colleagues, for Pat Shortt it will be an incredible loss of his partner in showbusiness.
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“With his solo work and beyond – including his outstanding work as a stage and film actor and poet – Jon Kenny has left what is a substantial body of work, which will be recalled with the greatest warmth by the Irish public.”
Along with his comedy career, Kenny has also appeared in Father Ted, The Van, Les Misérables, Angela’s Ashes, Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie, Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers, and The Banshees of Inisherin.
The actor had first been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in his 40s but made a full recovery. Unfortunately, he revealed last March that it had returned in 2020, with the comedian having battled it privately as he underwent treatment.
He shared on RTÉ’s Oliver Callan show at the time, “I had a double bypass which kind of brilliantly mended me, fixed me up and got me back on the road and then, my cancer came back again about three years ago.
“I was diagnosed with lung cancer and they removed the lower part of my left lung. That kept me going again for another while, but it came back again now last year, so, I’m just on treatment for that at the moment.”
“But it’s good the treatment is working. It’s all going well, I’m very lucky.”
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“Some shows I’m doing is just to see how my body is going to hold up doing some travel, some work and some live performances.”
The comedian was scheduled to do a show on the day of his passing at The Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville, but it was cancelled earlier this week.
Kenny is survived by his wife Margy, daughter Leah, and son Aaron.
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