Actor Frank Kelly, star or UK comedy series 'Father Ted', dies aged 77

Irish actor Frank Kelly, best known for playing Father Jack in the comedy series Father Ted, has died at age 77.

Kelly, had spent 60 years acting on the stage and screen and died exactly 18 years after his Father Ted co-star Dermot Morgan.

Last November Kelly revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease but said he would continue to work.

He was best known for his role as the irreverent and foul-mouthed priest Father Jack in the comedy that lampooned Catholicism and was a massive television hit.

As well as his role in Father Ted, Kelly had recent roles in UK soap Emmerdale and film Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie.

Father Ted writer Graham Lineham posted a tribute to Kelly on Twitter.

"Just hearing from various sources that Frank Kelly has passed away," he tweeted.

"Terribly sad news. Thanks for everything Frank."

Dermot Morgan's son Don tweeted about the coincidence of Kelly's death on the same day as his father passed away in 1998.

"Isn't life just weird? Frank Kelly going on dad's anniversary… #ripfrankkelly #dermotmogran."