The Irish premier has led tributes to comedian and actor Jon Kenny who has died at the age of 66.
The Limerick actor was best known as one half of the comic duo D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt.
Kenny died on Friday evening in Galway Clinic, his wife Margie told the Limerick Leader on Saturday.
In a statement, his family said he had suffered a cardiac arrest on November 10, and had not regained consciousness.
He had previously been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2000, and received a stem cell transplant.
In 2020 he revealed the disease had returned, and he went on to have lung surgery.
He said on Oliver Callan’s RTE Radio 1 earlier this year that he also suffered heart failure while undergoing chemotherapy.
He was a popular comedy performer, writer and actor, making appearances in Angela’s Ashes, Father Ted, The Van and The Banshees Of Inisherin.
He also starred on stage in John B Keane's The Matchmaker, Oliver Goldsmith's She Stoops to Conquer and Katie Holly's dark comedy Crowman, a one-man show in which he portrayed 10 characters.
In a statement, Simon Harris said Kenny was a “gifted performer”.
“It is with the utmost sadness that I have learned of the death of writer, actor and comedian Jon Kenny,” he said.
“Jon had the ability, that very few people possess, to make his audiences crack up laughing with a glance or a single word.
“Behind that seemingly effortless talent to joke, there was a gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker.
“Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D’Unbelievables.
Deeply saddened at the passing of Jon Kenny, one of our most iconic actors & comedians.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 16, 2024
Through the D'Unbelievables, and his appearances on stage & on screen, Jon made us smile. He was an entertainer to his core.
Deepest sympathies to his wife Margie & family at this time.
“I was in his native Limerick last night when word of his death came through and to say he is beloved, is a huge understatement.
“I personally admired the honest and reflective way Jon spoke about illness with Oliver Callan on radio earlier this year. Like everything he did, it was very human and very real.
“To Jon’s family, friends and huge circle of colleagues and peers, I am truly sorry for your loss.”
Deputy Irish premier Micheal Martin said: “Deeply saddened at the passing of Jon Kenny, one of our most iconic actors and comedians.
“Through the D’Unbelievables, and his appearances on stage and on screen, Jon made us smile.
“He was an entertainer to his core. Deepest sympathies to his wife Margie and family at this time.”
I’m very sad to hear that Jon Kenny has passed away.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) November 16, 2024
He was a comedic genius who - along with his compadre Pat Shortt - connected with the unique humour and wit of the Irish people in a very special way.
He leaves the best legacy - he made people laugh and smile. Jon Kenny…
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald described Kenny as a “comedic genius”, adding: “Along with his compadre Pat Shortt – (he) connected with the unique humour and wit of the Irish people in a very special way.
“He leaves the best legacy – he made people laugh and smile.
“Jon Kenny will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to Jon’s wife Margy, his children, his wide circle of friends, and all who loved him.”
Fellow comedian and performer Dara O Briain posted on X: “Jon was a lovely, lovely man, and a comedy powerhouse.
“D’Unbeliveables opened the door to all the rest of us, doing epic tours and dragging the audience, sometimes bodily, into a mad world of their creation. A unique man, and will be missed.”
Comedy duo Johnny “Smacks” McMahon and Johnny “B” O’Brien, known collectively as the Two Johnnies, posted on their Instagram account: “A great light has gone out. The magical mad man that was Jon Kenny. Incredibly funny and warm, a massive influence on us.
“Last time he came to Cahir to be on the radio with us, he brought us a gift of a bunch of bananas and ate half them live on air. They don’t make them like him anymore.”
