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 | |
---|---|
Birth name | Jonathan Kenny |
Born | Hospital, County Limerick, Ireland | 28 September 1957
Died | 15 November 2024 Galway, County Galway, Ireland | (aged 67)
Medium |
|
Years active | c. 1972–2023 |
Spouse |
Marguerite Kenny (m. 1988) |
Children | 2 |
Notable works and roles |
|
Website | jonkenny |
Early life
editJonathan 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
editKenny had dyslexia[10] and never received formal training.[11]
He played two characters in separate episodes of Father Ted: Michael Cocheese 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 by the Gold Derby 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
editKenny 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
editYear | 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
editYear | 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 | Best Ensemble | The Banshees of Inisherin | Nominated | [22] |
2023 | International Online Cinema Awards | Best Ensemble Cast | The Banshees of Inisherin | Won | [75] |
References
edit- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Jon Kenny obituary: Portraits of Irish eccentricity that mingled hilarity with sadness". The Irish Times. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Lynch, Richard (24 October 2019). "Jon Kenny stars in new play Crowman on Saturday, November 2". I Love Limerick. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ McGrath, Niall (22 November 2011). "Jon Kenny". Prezi. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ Lynch, Richard (16 November 2024). "Beloved Limerick iconic actor and comedian Jon Kenny, dies aged 66". I Love Limerick. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Eugene (16 November 2024). "Jon Kenny A Life of Laughter and Resilience". Cork Matters. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ "Father Ted star explains hilarious origin of 'down with this sort of thing' quote". Extra.ie. 18 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ "Insatiable". Irish Film Institute. 2008. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ McGuire, Kevin (24 July 2008). "Comedian Jon Kenny goes back to front at the Town Hall Theatre". Galway Advertiser. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Kenny's comedy takes more 'believable' path". Limerick Post. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ Back to Front with Jon Kenny in Belmullet, Mayo Advertiser, 21 November 2008
- ^ Sheridan, Colette (28 May 2014). "Kenny stars in tale of puppetry, politics and greed". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Des is in tune with nature in first solo exhibition in 18 years". Tipperary Live. 4 February 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Steven (9 October 2023). "Irish Film Review: The Hurler: A Campion's Tale". Film Ireland. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ a b "2001 Winners". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ a b "2023 Gold Derby Film Awards nominations: 'Everything Everywhere' leads with 14". Gold Derby. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Cormac (16 November 2024). "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny has died, age 66". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ McCurry, Cate (16 November 2024). "Irish president leads tributes to comedian and actor Jon Kenny". Express & Star. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ Riain, Orla Ní (17 November 2024). "'Comedic genius' Jon Kenny of D'Unbelievables dies at 66". The Times. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ "Titan of stage and screen Jon Kenny passes away at 66". Limerick Post. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Aine (24 December 2011). "D'Unbelievables Jon 'doing brilliantly' after triple bypass operation". Limerick Leader. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ Sweeney, Ken (14 December 2011). "Comedian Kenny recovering after bypass surgery". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Mallon, Sandra (25 March 2024). "D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny tells fans that his cancer has returned". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ Raleigh, David (17 November 2024). "Funeral arrangements for comedy and acting legend Jon Kenny announced". Limerick Post. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ "Legendary Limerick actor and comedian Jon Kenny has died". Live95. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Legendary Limerick actor and comedian Jon Kenny passes away". Limerick Leader. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ Gilbart, Manon; Gorman, Sally (16 November 2024). "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny dies, aged 66". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Pat Shortt 'devastated' following death of Jon Kenny". RTÉ. 16 November 2024.
- ^ Ryan, Órla (19 November 2024). "Jon Kenny to be laid to rest in Limerick today". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
- ^ Halloran, Cathy (19 November 2024). "'Larger than life' Jon Kenny celebrated at funeral mass". RTÉ.
- ^ "Nighthawks Presents D'Unbelievables". RTÉ Libraries and Archives. RTÉ. 12 February 1991. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ "Rising Stars Of Comedy". RTÉ Libraries and Archives. RTÉ. 24 November 1992. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ "One Hell Of A Do". RTÉ Archives.
- ^ "Pat Shortt And Jon Kenny". RTÉ Libraries and Archives. RTÉ. 22 July 1994. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ "Tributes to comedian and D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny following death at age of 66". The Irish News. 16 November 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Tributes to Irish comedian Jon Kenny who starred in Father Ted". BBC News. 16 November 2024.
- ^ Levy, Emanuel (27 July 1997). "Angela Mooney Dies Again".
- ^ Radio Times, BBC Two (18 August 2000). "The Fitz". BBC Genome Project. Archived from the original on 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Après Match As U2". RTÉ Archives.
- ^ Hanging with Hector Season 1. 11 August 2004. Retrieved 17 November 2024 – via trakt.tv.
- ^ "The Genius Of D'Unbelievables In 'Back Of The Church'". Balls.ie. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Jon Kenny". RTÉ One. 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ "The Restaurant". VIP Vidy. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ^ The Podge and Rodge Show · S1 E6 · Jon Kenny, Frances Black. 21 February 2006. Retrieved 17 November 2024 – via Plex Inc.
- ^ "Comic Tiernan declares satirist O'Brien as father of Irish comedy". Irish Examiner. 3 April 2007.
- ^ "Former Miss World to grace red carpet for local movie premiere". Irish Independent. 20 May 2008.
- ^ "Father Ted star Jon Kenny dies. aged 66". The Independent. 16 November 2024.
- ^ "Na Bainisteoirí/ The Managers – Celebrity Bainisteoir". RTÉ One. 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "'Back to Front' fun with Jon Kenny". Irish Independent. 11 December 2008. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
- ^ "2011 (I) Winners". thelamovieawards.com.
- ^ "RTÉ DVD Goody Bag comp". RTÉ. 17 December 2011.
- ^ "Joe Dolan – Sweet Little Rock N Roller". tv-media.at. 2012.
- ^ ""Mag Mell"". RTE Radio. 21 May 2014.
- ^ Rushe, Rose (31 October 2014). "New Limerick cinema – not so washed up". Limerick Post Newspaper.
- ^ Media, P. A. (16 November 2024). "Irish actor and comedian Jon Kenny dies aged 66". The Guardian.
- ^ a b "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny, 'an entertainer to his core', dies aged 66". The Irish Times.
- ^ "The Break". www.shortfilmwire.com.
- ^ "Pat". Shaun O' Connor.
- ^ "2019 Waterford Film Festival Programme". WATERFORD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.
- ^ "Documentaries on veteran actors Niall Tóibín and Richard Harris to air over the Christmas season". Irish Film and Television Network.
- ^ Columnist, Guest (24 March 2023). "The first trailer for the upcoming Irish comedy feature film "The Hurler: A Campion's Tale" has been released".
- ^ "For Your Consideration – 2024". IFTA Film & Drama Awards.
- ^ "International Online Cinema Awards (INOCA) (2023)". IMDb. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
External links
edit- Official website
- Jon Kenny at IMDb
- Jon Kenny on ElCinema.com
- Jon Kenny at Rotten Tomatoes
- Jon Kenny at SinemaTürk
- Jon Kenny at Letterboxd
- Jon Kenny at Sinemalar.com
- Jon Kenny at the Kinobox.cz Czech
- Jon Kenny discography at Discogs
- Jon Kenny archives
- Limerick City Library, Local Studies, Local Studies, Local Studies Files, A, Actors. Archived on the Wayback Machine on 28 April 2023.
- Limerick City Library, Local Studies, Local Studies Files, M, Musicians, Singers, Comedians, etc.. Archived on the Wayback Machine on 5 March 2024.