‘A gentle giant’ - Tributes flood in for Father Ted actor Pat Laffan following his passing
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‘A gentle giant’ - Tributes flood in for Father Ted actor Pat Laffan following his passing

TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to Irish actor Pat Laffan who has died aged 79.

A beloved star of stage and screen, Laffan was best remembered for playing Pat Mustard on the hit Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted.

Laffan played smooth-talking milkman Pat Mustard on the Graham Linehan comedy series about a disorderly group of priests living on Craggy Island.

Despite only appearing in one episode of the show, the character garnered a cult following that includes a Facebook group with over 22,000 followers.

An established actor with some 40 films and 30 TV credits to his name, Laffan was also known for his portrayal of Mr Burgess in Roddy Doyle’s much-loved 1993 film The Snapper. A statement from his representative said: “It is with tremendous sadness that we here at the Lisa Richards Agency can confirm Pat Laffan’s passing today.

“Pat was one of the very first clients of the agency but much more than that, he was a close friend, a mentor and a hugely important supporter of the company’s founders Lisa and Richard Cook and for many of the staff of the agency who had the pleasure to represent and work with him over the last almost thirty years.”

It continued: “All here will remember him first and foremost as our friend and mentor and we will miss him terribly. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.” Laffan performing as a member of the Abbey Theatre Company in the 1960s and 1970s.

He went on to serve as director at the Peacock Theatre, and directed in the Gate Theatre between 1979 and 1982. His TV credits include the BBC soap EastEnders and RTE’s The Clinic. In the wake of his passing, fans, friends and colleagues were quick to pay tribute to “a gentle giant” of the acting world.

Linehan led the tributes.

Laffan's popularity among colleagues past and present was clear to see.

Despite the sad loss, Laffan's legacy will live on thanks to Pat Mustard and plenty more iconic roles besides.

R.I.P. Pat. Gone but never forgotten.