5 days Ago By Georgie Kearney
Irish comedian and actor Jon Kenny has died aged 66 after a battle with cancer. The comedian, best known as one half of the famous comic duo d’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt died in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jon Kenny in The Matchmaker.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today His death was confirmed by his “wife and soulmate” Margie Kenny to local Irish newspaper The Limerick Leader. The statement read: “It is with deep sadness, the family of Jon Kenny, his wife and soul-mate Margy, his son Aran and daughter Laya, wish to announce his passing yesterday, 15th November 2024, at 7.20pm, in hospital in Galway.
“Jon had suffered a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Sunday 10th November at UHG (University Hospital Galway).” “He did not regain consciousness, but his entire family was by his side during this difficult time. “Jon grabbed life and shook it as hard as he could, getting every ounce of fun, madness, and love from it.
“His wit, humour, generosity, and kindness will outlast his passing. “The memories and stories of those who knew him will be his legend.” Kenny had been scheduled to perform at The Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville on the day of his death, however the show was cancelled earlier in the week.
Aside from is work with d’Unbelievables, Kenny was also known for his role in the hit Irish film The Banshees of Inisherin and had many other film and TV appearances to his name, including Father Ted, The Van, Les Misérables, Angela’s Ashes, Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie, Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers. His comedy partner Shortt delivered his own touching tribute, posting a compilation video of Kenny’s best moments on X. “We are all devastated with the news of Jon passing, and our thoughts are with Margy, Aaron and Leah,” Shortt said.
“I was lucky to spend so many years touring with Jon and learning from him. “Creating some great shows and videos. “Hilarious hours in the rehearsal room and playing great tunes.
“But sitting in the kitchen with Margy and Caroline just having the craic in Lough Gur will never be forgotten. Thanks, Jon.” In a statement, Irish President Michael D.
Higgins said Kenny had an “extraordinary talent”. “It is with great sadness that so many people, and in particular all those who appreciated his particular brand of humour, will have learned of the death of Jon Kenny,” he began. “With his impeccable, natural talent for humour and an ability to raise a laugh with just the slightest action, Jon brought so much joy and laughter in his work with Pat Shortt as one half of The D’Unbelievables.
“Immensely popular amongst all his colleagues, for Pat Shortt it will be an incredible loss of his partner in showbusiness. “With his solo work and beyond — including his outstanding work as a stage and film actor and poet — Jon Kenny has left what is a substantial body of work, which will be recalled with the greatest warmth by the Irish public.” Kenny was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his 40s and made a full recovery.
However, he revealed in March that the cancer had returned in 2020. Last March he spoke about his battle, The Irish Examiner reported. “I had a double bypass which kind of brilliantly mended me, fixed me up and got me back on the road,” he said on the program.
“And then, my cancer came back again about three years ago. “I was diagnosed with lung cancer and they removed the lower part of my left lung. “That kept me going again for another while, but it came back again now last year.
“So, I’m just on treatment for that at the moment. “But it’s good — the treatment is working. It’s all going well, I’m very lucky.
“Some shows I’m doing is just to see how my body is going to hold up doing some travel, some work, and some live performances.” He is survived by his wife Margy, daughter Leah, and son Aaron..
