Beloved ‘Father Ted’ Actor Ben Keaton Passes Away at 70

Ben Keaton, known for his role on the beloved series “Father Ted,” has died at the age of 70.

Keaton portrayed Father Austin Purcell in the cult comedy during its 1995 season and held notable roles in popular shows such as “Casualty,” “Emmerdale,” and “Doctors.”

The Irish Times reported on Sunday that Keaton passed away on Friday at Lincoln County Hospital.

A heartfelt tribute shared the loss: “Ben will be forever greatly missed, loved, and fondly remembered by his ex-wife Polly, son Waldo, daughter Daisy, brothers Des and Thom, and sister Jeanette.”

Keaton’s impressive career spanned television, film, and theater. He was celebrated for his performances in shows like “The Bill” and films such as “East is East.” A passionate theater actor, he was also a founding member of the improv group South Of The River and served as a director at the Creative Academy. Details regarding his funeral will be announced in due course.

Keaton’s ex-wife Polly, shared to Facebook: ‘So incredibly sorry to say Ben Keaton died last night. It was very sudden and we are all in shock.

Father Ted actor Ben Keaton has passed away aged 70. He died at Lincoln County Hospital on Friday, a death notice in The Irish Times announced on Sunday

The actor played Father Austin Purcell in the 1995-1995 comedy series (pictured) and also made appearances in Casualty, Emmerdale and Doctors

‘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.’

‘He was a great dad to Waldo and Daisy and the finest Groucho and Cyrano I have ever seen.’

In tribute, the 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.’

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.’ 

Alongside acting, Keaton worked as a writer and created Brainiac Live, the arena-staged adaptation of SKY’s hit science show, which won the Olivier Award for Best Family Show. 

He won a Olivier nomination and a Perrier Award for the solo show Intimate Memoirs of a Taxidermist.

Keaton also wrote for television, penning episodes of the children’s show Balamory for BBC Digital, the series Gumtree for Channel 4 and five series of Hubbub for the BBC.

In 2024 the actor delighted fans of the Channel 4 show when he reunited with castmates Patrick McDonnell, who played heartthrob singer and TV personality Eoin McLove, and Bishop Jordan actor Paddy Ward for an appearance at Comic Con in Belfast 

In 2017, he and his son, Waldo Fox Kennedy, set up a media production company which produces video for business and specialises in online content. 

In a update on his website, the late star wrote how ‘these days, I focus primarily on writing, directing, and education—but I’m driven by adventure and thrive on variety. That’s where the joy is.’

In 2014, Keaton returned to his Father Ted role, performing a stand-up routine and hosting pub quizzes entirely in character. 

In 2024 the actor delighted fans of the Channel 4 show when he reunited with castmates Patrick McDonnell, who played heartthrob singer and TV personality Eoin McLove, and Bishop Jordan actor Paddy Ward for an appearance at Comic Con in Belfast.