Irish actor Pat Laffan has sadly passed away at the age of 79.
The Co.Meath man, who is best known for his role as Georgie Burgess in the Roddy Doyle classic, The Snapper, as well as for his portrayal of Pat Mustard in Irish comedy Father Ted – will be sadly missed by family friends following his sad death this week.
The sad news was announced by Lisa Richards, the agency for the comedy star.
A statement read: “Pat was one the very first clients of the agency but 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 almost 30 years.”
The agency added: “While Pat is perhaps still best remembered by Irish screen audiences for his portrayal of Mr. Burgess in Roddy Doyle’s film, The Snapper, and as Pat Mustard, the notorious milkman in Father Ted, he had almost 40 film credits and 30 television credits to his name.
“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.”
Tributes have been pouring in since the news was announced, with Love/Hate actor Laurence Kinlan taking to Twitter to share his sadness.
“I’m devastated to hear of the passing of the amazing Pat Laffan.
“I was very fortunate to get to work with him over the years. He was one funny man under his hard exterior. A gentle giant. He left us with some incredible performances, most notably as George Burgess. RIP my friend.”