Brendan Grace dies: Father Ted Star dies at the age of 68

Irish comedian Brendan Grace died at the age of 68.

Father Ted's star died peacefully in the early hours of July 11, according to his family.

Brendan's agent told Metro.co.uk: "Brendan Grace pbaded away peacefully early this morning to the entourage of her beloved, 68-year-old family.

"It will be remembered by its legion of fans at home and abroad."

In a statement to RTE, Brendan's family expressed gratitude for fans' support since the announcement of his illness.

The comedian's death comes a week after he announced that Grace was "fighting for her life" at the hospital.

Grace had been receiving treatment for a month after contracting pneumonia, but a cancer was diagnosed.

A spokeswoman for the star said this week: "Brendan Grace has been hospitalized for four weeks and is receiving treatment for pneumonia.

"It has now become apparent that he also has cancer for which he receives ongoing care and treatment.

"His family is very supportive in this difficult time and respect for their privacy would be greatly appreciated."
Grace's Ireland tour in July and August was canceled due to her illness.

The creator of Mrs. Brown's Boys, Brendan O. Carroll, was one of the first stars to pay tribute, tweeting: "So sad after the pbading of a great legend of comedy, husband and wife. #brendangrace father. the love and laughter that will resonate in this country and we will all cry his pbading. Rest in peace Bottling you deserved it.

Leo Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, tweeted:#TEAR Brendan Grace, a legendary Irish comedy. You made us laugh so many times, from Bottler to Ted's father and so many others. One of the largest. Our thoughts are with Brendan's friends and family. '

In the UK, Grace was probably best known for her role as father Fintan Stack in Ted's 1996 episode New Jack City, in which he uttered the clbadic phrase, "I had fun and that's all that account."

However, he will be remembered for an illustrious comedy career in Ireland and around the world, earning applause for his characters, Bride's Father and Bottler, and even sharing the stage with Frank Sinatra.

Also singer, Brendan had several hit songs, including Cushie Butterfield, Combine Harvester (which would become a hit for the Wurzels) and The Dutchman.

Grace is survived by her wife Eileen, with whom he was married in 1973, their four children and grandchildren.

In recent years, he has split his time between Ireland, running a pub in Killaloe, County Clare, and his home in Florida.