Wikipedia

Jon Kenny

For other people with the same name, see John Kenny.

Jonathan Kenny (28 September 1957 – 15 November 2024) was an Irish comedian and actor, best known as one half of the Irish comic duo D'Unbelievables with Pat Shortt.[1] They were a successful duo until 2000, releasing One Hell of a Video, D'Unbelievables, D'Video, D'Telly, D'Mother and D'collection but the group stopped touring after Kenny was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.[2][3]

Jon Kenny
Kenny in 2014
Birth nameJonathan Kenny
Born(1957-09-28)28 September 1957
Hospital, County Limerick, Ireland
Died15 November 2024(2024-11-15) (aged 67)
Galway, County Galway, Ireland
Medium
  • Television
  • film
  • stand-up
Years activec. 1972–2023
Spouse
Marguerite Kenny
​
(m. 1988)​
Children2
Notable works and roles
Websitejonkenny.net

Early life

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Jonathan Kenny was born in Hospital, County Limerick, on 28 September 1957.[4][5][6] His mother's maiden name is Dirraine and his maternal grandparents came from Inishmore in the Aran Islands.[7] He started his career in c. 1972, aged 15, performing with the Limerick band Gimik before switching to acting.[8][9]

Career

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Kenny had dyslexia[10] and never received formal training.[11]

He played two characters in separate episodes of Father Ted: Michael Concheese in "The Passion of Saint Tibulus" and Fred Rickwood in "A Song for Europe". He later said that the famous protest scenes in the first episode were influenced by a priest he had known when he was a boy.[12]

Kenny filmed a lead role in the independent Irish feature film Insatiable, directed by Jessie Kirby.[13] On his 2007 DVD, Back to Front, Kenny said he played his first serious role in the film, the "nastiest man in Ireland".[14]

Having taken a decade-long break from performing due to illness, Kenny returned to solo comedy in 2010 and continued to perform throughout Ireland with his one-man show.[15] In the spring of 2007, Kenny released his first solo stand-up DVD Back to Front.[16]

Kenny hosted the theatre show Mag Mell with visual artist Des Dillon and musician and composers Benny McCarthy and Conal Ó Gráda from 2012 until 2014; creating its puppets, costumes and set.[17][18]

Kenny portrayed the character Gerry in The Banshees of Inisherin in 2022.[19] His last acting appearance was in The Hurler: A Campion's Tale in 2023, appearing as the main character hurler Gar Campion's coach and mentor.[20]

Kenny, along with Shortt, as part of D'Unbelievables, won the Meteor Music Award in 2001 in the Best Selling Irish Video category for his work on "D'Mother".[21] Kenny, along with castmates Kerry Condon, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Gary Lydon, Bríd Ní Neachtain and Pat Shortt, was nominated for the Gold Derby Award [fr] by the Gold Derby [es] in the Best Ensemble category for his work on The Banshees of Inisherin in 2023.[22] He was also nominated for the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble in 2022 for his work on the film.[23]

Kenny was also an accomplished singer, having performed with Sharon Shannon.[24]

Personal life, illness and death

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Kenny with Seán Kelly in 2014

Kenny married Marguerite in 1988 and the couple went on to have two children.[25][26][27][9] He was a supporter of Munster Rugby.[28][29]

Kenny was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2000 and received a stem cell transplant.[30] He was fully treated in 2004.[31] In 2011, Kenny underwent a triple heart bypass and suffered from heart failure afterwards.[32][33] His cancer recurred in 2020 and he had lung surgery.[34] From 2023, Kenny received chemotherapy after cancer was detected on his left lung.[35] Additionally, he also underwent heart surgery.[36]

On 15 November 2024, Kenny died aged 67 from heart failure and lung cancer at the Galway Clinic in Ireland.[37][38][39] He had suffered from a heart attack on 10 November and never regained consciousness.[40] He was buried at the Lough Gur Cemetery on 19 November, after a funeral at St Patrick's Church, Patrickswell.[41][42]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1991 Nighthawks[43] Self 1 episode (12 February 1991)
1992 It's Bibi[44] Self 1 episode (24 November 1992)
1994 One Hell of a Do[45] Self Writer
1994 Gortnaclune[46] Gerry/Pierre 1 episode (22 July 1994)
1995–1996 Father Ted[47] Michael Cocheese
Fred Rickwood		 2 episodes: "The Passion of Saint Tibulus", and "A Song for Europe"
1996 The Van[48] Gerry McCarthy
1996 Angela Mooney Dies Again[49] Chaplin
1996 D'Video[9] Self Producer, writer
1998 D'Telly[9] Music department
1998 Les Misérables[48] Thénardier
1999 Angela's Ashes[48] Lavatory Man
2000 The Fitz[50] John F. 6 episodes
2001 D'Mother[9] Director, writer, composer, guitar
2001 The Late Late Show[51] Self 1 episode
2004 Hanging with Hector[52] Season 2
Featured along with Ken Doherty
2005 D'Collection[53] Compilation
2005 The Restaurant[54] Head Chef 1 episode: Season 3 Episode 5[55]
2006 The Podge and Rodge Show [56] 1 episode: Season 1 Episode 6
Co-guest with Frances Black
2007 40 Myles On: A Night of Irish Comedy[57]
2008 Dick Dickman P.I.[58]
2008 Insatiable[59] Mr Harvey
2008 Celebrity Bainisteoir[60] 8 episodes
2008 Back to Front[61] Host Self performance
2011 Escape of the Gingerbread Man!!![62] Paul/Storyteller/Kids Voice for Kids
2011 D'Unbelievables One Hell of a Do[63] Tom/GAA Coach/Himself Self
2012 Joe Dolan – Sweet Little Rock N Roller[64] Self 1 episode
2012–2014 Mag Mell[65] PJ Foley Set decoration, costume design
2014 All Washed Up[66] Johnaton Renmore
2014 Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie[67] Cunningham
2014 Song of the Sea[68] Ferry Dan/The Great Seanachaí Voice
2015 The Break[69] Derek
2016 Pat[70] Pat Titular character
2019 Love Her Bones[71] Tom Kenneflick
2019 The Tommy Tiernan Show[48] Self 1 episode
2019 Niall Tóibín – Everyman[72] Self
2020 Wolfwalkers[68] Stringy Woodcutter Voice
2022 The Banshees of Inisherin[48] Gerry
2023 Me Head is Wrecked with Tony Kelly[73] Self Voice on 1 episode
2023 The Hurler: A Campion's Tale[74] Billy Byrne Final role

Awards and nominations

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Year Association Category Work Result Reference
2001 Meteor Music Awards Best Selling Irish Video D'Mother Won [21]
2022 Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Acting Ensemble The Banshees of Inisherin Nominated [23]
2023 Gold Derby Awards [fr] Best Ensemble The Banshees of Inisherin Nominated [22]
2023 International Online Cinema Awards Best Ensemble Cast The Banshees of Inisherin Won [75]

References

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  1. ^ "COMEDY Duo d'unbelievable Jon Kenny has two Mayo dates". The Mayo News. 2 November 2009. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  2. ^ Friel, Jenny (20 September 2002). "D'unbeaten Jon is back.(News)". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2012 – via HighBeam Research.
  3. ^ Tallant, Nicola (30 November 2000). "My cancer battle by comic Jon.(News)". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2012 – via HighBeam Research.
  4. ^ "Jon Kenny obituary: Portraits of Irish eccentricity that mingled hilarity with sadness". The Irish Times. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  5. ^ Pope, Conor (16 November 2024). "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny, 'an entertainer to his core', dies aged 66". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  6. ^ Lynch, Richard (24 October 2019). "Jon Kenny stars in new play Crowman on Saturday, November 2". I Love Limerick. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  7. ^ McGrath, Niall (22 November 2011). "Jon Kenny". Prezi. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  8. ^ Lynch, Richard (16 November 2024). "Beloved Limerick iconic actor and comedian Jon Kenny, dies aged 66". I Love Limerick. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d e Collins, Liam (16 November 2024). "'We are all devastated… I was lucky to spend so many years touring with Jon' – Pat Shortt leads tributes to his comedy partner Jon Kenny". Irish Independent. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  10. ^ "In the final programme of The Family Project comedian Jon Kenny helps 9 year old Kieran". National Adult Literacy Agency. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  11. ^ Eugene (16 November 2024). "Jon Kenny A Life of Laughter and Resilience". Cork Matters. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  12. ^ "Father Ted star explains hilarious origin of 'down with this sort of thing' quote". Extra.ie. 18 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  13. ^ "Insatiable". Irish Film Institute. 2008. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  14. ^ McGuire, Kevin (24 July 2008). "Comedian Jon Kenny goes back to front at the Town Hall Theatre". Galway Advertiser. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  15. ^ "Kenny's comedy takes more 'believable' path". Limerick Post. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  16. ^ Back to Front with Jon Kenny in Belmullet, Mayo Advertiser, 21 November 2008
  17. ^ Sheridan, Colette (28 May 2014). "Kenny stars in tale of puppetry, politics and greed". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  18. ^ "Des is in tune with nature in first solo exhibition in 18 years". Tipperary Live. 4 February 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  19. ^ "INTERVIEW | Jon Kenny on The Banshees of Inisherin and a long-awaited return to screen with D'Unbelievables partner Pat Shortt". Limerick Post. 28 October 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  20. ^ Steven (9 October 2023). "Irish Film Review: The Hurler: A Campion's Tale". Film Ireland. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  21. ^ a b "2001 Winners". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  22. ^ a b "2023 Gold Derby Film Awards nominations: 'Everything Everywhere' leads with 14". Gold Derby. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  23. ^ a b Verhoeven, Beatrice (14 December 2022). "'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Leads 2023 Critics Choice Awards Film Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  24. ^ Fitzgerald, Cormac (16 November 2024). "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny has died, age 66". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  25. ^ Ward, Shauna Bannon (25 March 2024). "D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny's 35-year marriage to wife Maggie, forest home and cancer journey". RSVP Live. Reach plc. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  26. ^ McCurry, Cate (16 November 2024). "Irish president leads tributes to comedian and actor Jon Kenny". Express & Star. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  27. ^ Riain, Orla Ní (17 November 2024). "'Comedic genius' Jon Kenny of D'Unbelievables dies at 66". The Times. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  28. ^ "Titan of stage and screen Jon Kenny passes away at 66". Limerick Post. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  29. ^ Lee, Jenny (20 June 2019). "Arts Q&A: Comedian and actor Jon Kenny on U2, Stevie Wonder and Munster rugby". The Irish News. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  30. ^ Ainsworth, Paul (16 November 2024). "Tributes to comedian and D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny following death at age of 66". The Irish News. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  31. ^ Fitzgerald, Aine (24 December 2011). "D'Unbelievables Jon 'doing brilliantly' after triple bypass operation". Limerick Leader. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  32. ^ Sweeney, Ken (14 December 2011). "Comedian Kenny recovering after bypass surgery". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  33. ^ Wrona, Adrianna (16 November 2024). "'We are all devastated… I was lucky to spend so many years touring with Jon' – Pat Shortt leads tributes to his comedy partner Jon Kenny". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  34. ^ Watts, Matt; McCurry, Cate (16 November 2024). "Tributes pour in for Father Ted star Jon Kenny after death aged 66". Evening Standard. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  35. ^ Mallon, Sandra (25 March 2024). "D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny tells fans that his cancer has returned". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  36. ^ Raleigh, David (17 November 2024). "Funeral arrangements for comedy and acting legend Jon Kenny announced". Limerick Post. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  37. ^ "Legendary Limerick actor and comedian Jon Kenny has died". Live95. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  38. ^ "Legendary Limerick actor and comedian Jon Kenny passes away". Limerick Leader. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  39. ^ Gilbart, Manon; Gorman, Sally (16 November 2024). "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny dies, aged 66". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  40. ^ "Pat Shortt 'devastated' following death of Jon Kenny". RTÉ. 16 November 2024.
  41. ^ Ryan, Órla (19 November 2024). "Jon Kenny to be laid to rest in Limerick today". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  42. ^ Halloran, Cathy (19 November 2024). "'Larger than life' Jon Kenny celebrated at funeral mass". RTÉ.
  43. ^ "Nighthawks Presents D'Unbelievables". RTÉ Libraries and Archives. RTÉ. 12 February 1991. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  44. ^ "Rising Stars Of Comedy". RTÉ Libraries and Archives. RTÉ. 24 November 1992. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  45. ^ "One Hell Of A Do". RTÉ Archives.
  46. ^ "Pat Shortt And Jon Kenny". RTÉ Libraries and Archives. RTÉ. 22 July 1994. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  47. ^ "Tributes to comedian and D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny following death at age of 66". The Irish News. 16 November 2024.
  48. ^ a b c d e "Tributes to Irish comedian Jon Kenny who starred in Father Ted". BBC News. 16 November 2024.
  49. ^ Levy, Emanuel (27 July 1997). "Angela Mooney Dies Again".
  50. ^ Radio Times, BBC Two (18 August 2000). "The Fitz". BBC Genome Project. Archived from the original on 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  51. ^ "Après Match As U2". RTÉ Archives.
  52. ^ Hanging with Hector Season 1. 11 August 2004. Retrieved 17 November 2024 – via trakt.tv.
  53. ^ "The Genius Of D'Unbelievables In 'Back Of The Church'". Balls.ie. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  54. ^ "Jon Kenny". RTÉ One. 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  55. ^ "The Restaurant". VIP Vidy. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  56. ^ The Podge and Rodge Show · S1 E6 · Jon Kenny, Frances Black. 21 February 2006. Retrieved 17 November 2024 – via Plex Inc.
  57. ^ "Comic Tiernan declares satirist O'Brien as father of Irish comedy". Irish Examiner. 3 April 2007.
  58. ^ "Former Miss World to grace red carpet for local movie premiere". Irish Independent. 20 May 2008.
  59. ^ "Father Ted star Jon Kenny dies. aged 66". The Independent. 16 November 2024.
  60. ^ "Na Bainisteoirí/ The Managers – Celebrity Bainisteoir". RTÉ One. 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  61. ^ "'Back to Front' fun with Jon Kenny". Irish Independent. 11 December 2008. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  62. ^ "2011 (I) Winners". thelamovieawards.com.
  63. ^ "RTÉ DVD Goody Bag comp". RTÉ. 17 December 2011.
  64. ^ "Joe Dolan – Sweet Little Rock N Roller". tv-media.at. 2012.
  65. ^ ""Mag Mell"". RTE Radio. 21 May 2014.
  66. ^ Rushe, Rose (31 October 2014). "New Limerick cinema – not so washed up". Limerick Post Newspaper.
  67. ^ Media, P. A. (16 November 2024). "Irish actor and comedian Jon Kenny dies aged 66". The Guardian.
  68. ^ a b "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny, 'an entertainer to his core', dies aged 66". The Irish Times.
  69. ^ "The Break". www.shortfilmwire.com.
  70. ^ "Pat". Shaun O' Connor.
  71. ^ "2019 Waterford Film Festival Programme". WATERFORD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.
  72. ^ "Documentaries on veteran actors Niall Tóibín and Richard Harris to air over the Christmas season". Irish Film and Television Network.
  73. ^ Columnist, Guest (24 March 2023). "The first trailer for the upcoming Irish comedy feature film "The Hurler: A Campion's Tale" has been released".
  74. ^ "For Your Consideration – 2024". IFTA Film & Drama Awards.
  75. ^ "International Online Cinema Awards (INOCA) (2023)". IMDb. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
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