Irish actor 'grateful beyond words' for award

Veteran film and television actor David Kelly is to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Irish Film and Television Awards, it emerged today.

The performer, who played the comical builder Reilly in Fawlty Towers and recently starred as Grandpa Joe in Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is being honoured for a career spanning six decades.

After making his theatrical debut in 1959, Mr Kelly starred in a number of feature films including Waking Ned, Into The West and Mean Machine and had parts in small screen series Ballykissangel and Glenroe.

He has worked with many international and Irish stars including Sir Laurence Olivier, Clive Owen, Johnny Depp, Helen Mirren, Sir Michael Caine, Gabriel Byrne, Joe Lynch, Jim Sheridan and Brenda Fricker.

Following the announcement, Mr Kelly said he was extremely grateful to be receiving the award.

“I still marvel at the fact that I have achieved my only real goal in life - to be an actor.

“That a group of kind people wish to reward me for this is moving and I am grateful beyond words,” Mr Kelly said.

Aine Moriarty, chief executive of Irish Film and Television Awards, said she was delighted to honour the actor with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“David Kelly has won a place in the hearts and minds of the Irish public as one of Ireland’s most respected character actors, with an outstanding career that spans the genres of comedy and drama and continues to go from strength to strength.

“It is a testament to David’s talent and remarkable ability that he continues to win great roles and receive national and international acclaim.

“David is a worthy and a most deserving recipient of this award,” she said.

Mr Kelly will be presented with his accolade at the Irish Film and Television Awards ceremony on November 5 at Dublin’s RDS.