'You will always be a legend': Tributes paid as Father Ted star Ben Keaton dies aged 69

Ben Keaton died at age 69, less than two months short of his 70th Birthday, at Lincoln County Hospital in England on Friday

Tributes have poured in from fans and those working in the acting industry, remembering Ben Keaton as a talented actor and writer. Picture: benkeaton.co.uk.

Irish actor Ben Keaton, known for his iconic role as Father Austin Purcell in Father Ted, has passed away.

Keaton, who starred in Father Ted, Emmerdale and Casualty, died at age 69, less than two months short of his 70th Birthday, at Lincoln County Hospital in England on Friday.

A death notice in The Irish Times on Sunday, read: “Ben will be forever greatly missed, loved and fondly remembered by his ex-wife Polly, son Waldo and daughter Daisy, brothers Des and Thom, sister Jeanette.

“Best known for his roles in TV shows including Father Ted, Emmerdale, Casualty, The Bill, films including East is East etc. and theatre performances in Animal Crackers, Harvey, Cyrano de Bergerac, Hay Fever, etc, a founder member of the improv group South Of The River, and a director of the Creative Academy, and more. Funeral arrangements to be announced later.” 

Keaton's ex-wife Polly shared a post to Facebook about his sudden death.

She acknowledged that while they had separated several years ago, they had spent half a lifetime together and “infuriated and made each other cry with laughter in equal measure”.

Tributes have since poured in from fans and those working in the acting industry, remembering him as a talented actor and writer.

Actor Jack Norris posted an Instagram in remembrance of his “very dear friend, mentor, and creative ally”.

“My first interaction with Ben came from watching him on Father Ted as a child with my Dad. Extremely fond comedic memories. This only served to enhance the immense honour it was to act alongside him on my first ever acting job in 2020: Waiting for Godot  by Theatre Nation.

“Ben took me under his learned wing as an industry novice. Through post rehearsal pints, his charitable work with Creativity Academy, and our countless mentoring sessions over the years - I got to know the kind, generous and maverick soul he was.

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“I could go on for many hours about what Ben gave to me, but really all I want to say is; Ben was every inch the artist and never ceased chasing that. I want to thank the man who treated the rehearsal room cleaner, and the artistic director with the same level of interest. You taught me about artistry, tenacity of craft, and how to carve dreams into reality. You will always be a legend to me. A total one off. I and all those who loved you will carry on for you.” 

Yellow Belly records posted: “We are shocked and very sad to hear about the untimely passing of Ben Keaton. Aside from being one of the most genuine and loveable people to attend and support Yellowbelly Records events, Ben's adventures and accolades in the creative arts were something to behold, and something that was an inspiration to many - he was a truly phenomenal actor, and a wonderfully funny comedian, but his talents extended to hosting his own podcast, and to many other gloriously creative endevours.

“We, much like our friends The Linklings, and indeed our friends in the wider arts community of Lincolnshire, will very sorely miss his smile and his warmth, and his truly wonderful company at events. He had a knack for seeing and bringing out the best in people, and his sincerity and genuineness is something that will be greatly greatly missed!” 

In a post, Nottingham Playhouse said: “We are so sorry to hear of the death of Ben Keaton, a wonderful actor who is fondly remembered in our 2008 production of Vertigo. Sending our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.” 

Meanwhile, Father Ted fan account FatherTedSpeak posted on X: “Saddened to hear of the passing of actor Ben Keaton. We knew him as Father Austin Purcell (one of my favourite one-off characters). He was a regular at ComicCon events, so I imagine many got to meet him over the years. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and many fans.”