Acclaimed actor Frank Grimes, who starred in Mrs Brown’s Boys and Coronation Street, has passed away. He was 78.
The Irish star, hailed “one of Ireland’s greatest actors” died on August 1 after a “very short illness”.
The Irish Cultural Centre (ICC) announced his death in a heartfelt post on Facebook revealing that the star was “surrounded by his wife and family” in his final moments.
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“It’s with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the ICC has to regretfully inform you that the great Irish actor Frank Grimes suddenly passed away in the early hours of Friday morning, August 1, after a very short illness, surrounded by his wife and family,” the ICC wrote.
“Frank was undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest actors, he was a fearly loved friend of the ICC’s,” the post continued.
The Dublin-born star trained at the Abbey Theatre as a young actor before going on to gain early success with a role in the stage adaptation of Borstol Boy at the Abbey Theatre, in Paris and on Broadway. His role on Broadway saw him receive a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Actor and was voted ‘Most Promising Actor’.
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Grimes’ acting career saw him work in theatre across London including at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and in London’s West End.
On film and TV, he is known for several roles including A Bridge Too Far, Royal Flash, The Whales of August and Blind Justice.
He also, of course, starred as Mr O’Leary in popular sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys and starred as Barry Connor in British TV drama Coronation Street.
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“Frank was so warm hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes,” the ICC’s statement continued.
“We know that Ireland has lost one of it’s truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again.
“We are so sad to have to say goodbye to Frank but we are also so blessed to have known him, to have worked with him and seen him perform.”
Grimes is survived by his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly, his son Andrew, his seven grandchildren and extended family.
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