It’s been twenty-five years since the passing of Father Ted star, Dermot Morgan, but for son, Rob he’s still figuring out how to process it all.
The Irish comedian and actor who was best known for the titular role in Father Ted passed away on February 28th, 1998, aged just 45 years old, while Rob was just 18 years old at the time.
Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, Rob opened up on how he is still dealing with the loss of his father and noted how he takes solace in the knowledge that people still remember Dermot.
“To see people still fondly talking about the Ted stuff of the live comedy stuff – the really harsh and cruel part about it is that Dermot didn’t get to enjoy it, and didn’t get to enjoy the things that he would have gone on to do,” Rob told Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman.
Despite that, Rob admits that he enjoys the idea of his father being ever-young.
“I kind of love that he’ll never get older; I love that he’ll always be 45 every time I look at him, that’s a really nice thing.”
Adding that the closer he gets to o 45, the “more surreal” seeing his father on TV becomes.
Although Dermot was best known for his role as Father Ted Crill on the sitcom Father Ted, he actually made his media debut on Morning Ireland.
It was after this that he became part of the team behind RTÉ TV show The Live Mike, presented by Mike Murphy, where he played a range of comic characters and cemented himself as quite the comedian.
Dermot also shares his anniversary with fellow Father Ted co-star Frank Kelly, who died seven years ago on February 28th, 2016.
Fans and friends took to Twitter to pay tribute on their respective anniversaries, including Ardal O’Hanlon who played the beloved Father Dougal McGuire.
Fondly remembering my friends Dermot Morgan and Frank Kelly on this fateful day. (And staying indoors).
— Ardal O’Hanlon (@ardalsfolly) February 28, 2023
25 years today since we lost Dermot Morgan, and 7 years today since Frank Kelly passed away. Two of the all-time greats. pic.twitter.com/D6i9A1WOm4
— Father Ted Quote of the Day (@FrTedQOTD) February 28, 2023
Thinking today of the greats Frank Kelly and Dermot Morgan.
Two comedy heroes we will never forget 🖤 pic.twitter.com/PhOL1XOt50— Father Ted Speak (@FatherTedSpeak) February 28, 2023
#OnThisDay in 1998, Irish actor and comedian Dermot Morgan died of a heart attack in London, England at the age of 45. Morgan is best-known for his portrayal of Father Ted Crilly on the series Father Ted. He had recorded the last episode of Father Ted the day before. #25years pic.twitter.com/BQAuH5sVit
— John Wright (@1689Reformed) February 28, 2023
