Tributes have been paid following the death of Father Ted actor, Ben Keaton. He was 69.
The actor, born Ben Burke-Kennedy, was best recognised for his time in the hit Channel 4 series, appearing in a fan favourite episode where he played Father Austin – a man described by the titular character as “the most boring priest in the world”.
His passing was announced by his family, who shared a statement with The Irish Times on Friday March 20. While they did not disclose the cause of death, they did say that it was “unexpected”.
“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,” the statement read.
News of his death was also shared by his ex-wife, Polly Kelly Keaton, who wrote on Facebook: “So incredibly sorry to say Ben Keaton died last night. It was very sudden and we are all in shock.”
We were very saddened to hear of the death of Ben Keaton, who played Father Austin Purcell in Father Ted.
Keaton featured in the "Think Fast, Father Ted" episode of the programme. pic.twitter.com/s62zsBOpOn
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 23, 2026
“We had separated several years ago, but we had half a lifetime together, and infuriated and made each other cry with laughter in equal measure,” she continued, also describing him as “a great dad”.
Decades after playing Father Austin, Keaton continued to reprise the role, hosting various pub quiz nights in character and also starting a webseries called Cook Like A Priest.
Fans have been sharing tributes online after hearing of Keaton’s death. “That’s sad news. One of the most memorable characters. RIP and condolences to his family and friends,” one person wrote on Reddit, while many others cited quotes of his as some of their favourite from Father Ted.
Father Ted star Ben Keaton dies suddenly aged 69: ‘We are all in shock’
byu/riverskywalker inireland
“I’m so very sorry to hear of the death of the actor Ben Keaton. I worked with him on Father Ted, where he was not only brilliant, but improvised a whole ‘boring’ monologue while shut in a cupboard,” another fan wrote on X/Twitter.
Someone else shared: “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.” Find more tributes from fans below.
