Overview
- A family notice reported that Ben Keaton died on Friday at Lincoln County Hospital and named his ex-wife Polly, children Waldo and Daisy, and siblings among those mourning him.
- His ex-wife, Polly Kelly Keaton, said on Facebook that his passing was very sudden and that the family is in shock.
- Nottingham Playhouse and Father Ted fan communities shared tributes, calling him a wonderful actor and recalling his convention appearances.
- Keaton was widely remembered for his turn as Father Austin Purcell and also appeared in Casualty and Emmerdale, alongside extensive stage work at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.
- He won the Perrier Comedy Award and recently received an Olivier Award for creating Brainiac Live; no cause of death has been released and funeral arrangements are to be announced.