Wikipedia

Jon Kenny

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

Jonathan Kenny (12 December 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(1957-12-12)12 December 1957
Hospital, County Limerick, Ireland
Died15 November 2024(2024-11-15) (aged 66)
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 12 December 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 was an accomplished singer, having performed with Sharon Shannon,[10] and a supporter of Munster Rugby.[11][12] He 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]

Kenny had dyslexia[15] and never received formal training.[16]

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.[17] In the spring of 2007, Kenny released his first solo stand-up DVD Back to Front.[18]

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.[19][20]

Kenny portrayed the character Gerry in The Banshees of Inisherin in 2022.[21] His last acting appearance was in The Hurler: A Campion's Tale in 2023, appearing as the main character Gar Campion's coach and mentor.[22]

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".[23] 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.[24] He was also nominated for the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble in 2022 for his work on the film.[25]

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.[4][26][27][9]

Kenny was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2000 and received a stem cell transplant.[28] He was fully treated in 2004.[29] In 2011, Kenny underwent a triple heart bypass and suffered from heart failure afterwards.[30][31] His cancer recurred in 2020 and he had lung surgery.[32] From 2023, Kenny received chemotherapy after cancer was detected on his left lung.[33] Additionally, he also underwent heart surgery.[34]

Kenny died aged 66, from heart failure and lung cancer at the Galway Clinic in Ireland on 15 November 2024.[35][36][37] He had suffered from a heart attack on 10 November and never regained consciousness.[38] He was buried at the Lough Gur Cemetery on 19 November, after a funeral at St Patrick's Church, Patrickswell.[39][40]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1994 One Hell of a Do[41] Self Writer
1995–1996 Father Ted[42] Michael Cocheese
Fred Rickwood		 2 episodes: "The Passion of Saint Tibulus", and "A Song for Europe"
1996 The Van[43] Gerry McCarthy
1996 Angela Mooney Dies Again[44] Chaplin
1996 D'Video[9] Self Producer, writer
1998 D'Telly[9] Music department
1998 Les Misérables[43] Thénardier
1999 Angela's Ashes[43] Lavatory Man
2000 The Fitz[45] John F. 6 episodes
2001 D'Mother[9] Director, writer, composer, guitar
2001 The Late Late Show[46] Self 1 episode
2004 Hanging with Hector[47] Season 2
Featured along with Ken Doherty
2005 D'Collection[48] Compilation
2005 The Restaurant[49] Head Chef 1 episode: Season 3 Episode 5[50]
2006 The Podge and Rodge Show [51] 1 episode: Season 1 Episode 6
Co-guest with Frances Black
2007 40 Myles On: A Night of Irish Comedy[52]
2008 Dick Dickman P.I.[53]
2008 Insatiable[54] Mr Harvey
2008 Celebrity Bainisteoir[55] 8 episodes
2008 Back to Front[56] Host Self performance
2011 Escape of the Gingerbread Man!!![57] Paul/Storyteller/Kids Voice for Kids
2011 D'Unbelievables One Hell of a Do[58] Tom/GAA Coach/Himself Self
2012 Joe Dolan – Sweet Little Rock N Roller[59] Self 1 episode
2012–2014 Mag Mell[60] PJ Foley Set decoration, costume design
2014 All Washed Up[61] Johnaton Renmore
2014 Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie[62] Cunningham
2014 Song of the Sea[63] Ferry Dan/The Great Seanachaí Voice
2015 The Break[64] Derek
2016 Pat[65] Pat Titular character
2019 Love Her Bones[66] Tom Kenneflick
2019 The Tommy Tiernan Show[43] Self 1 episode
2019 Niall Tóibín – Everyman[67] Self
2020 Wolfwalkers[63] Stringy Woodcutter Voice
2022 The Banshees of Inisherin[43] Gerry
2023 Me Head is Wrecked with Tony Kelly[68] Self Voice on 1 episode
2023 The Hurler: A Campion's Tale[69] 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 [23]
2022 Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Acting Ensemble The Banshees of Inisherin Nominated [25]
2023 Gold Derby Awards [fr] Best Ensemble The Banshees of Inisherin Nominated [24]
2023 International Online Cinema Awards Best Ensemble Cast The Banshees of Inisherin Won [70]

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. ^ a b 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.
  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. ^ Fitzgerald, Cormac (16 November 2024). "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny has died, age 66". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  11. ^ "Titan of stage and screen Jon Kenny passes away at 66". Limerick Post. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  12. ^ 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.
  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. ^ "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.
  16. ^ Eugene (16 November 2024). "Jon Kenny A Life of Laughter and Resilience". Cork Matters. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  17. ^ "Kenny's comedy takes more 'believable' path". Limerick Post. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  18. ^ Back to Front with Jon Kenny in Belmullet, Mayo Advertiser, 21 November 2008
  19. ^ Sheridan, Colette (28 May 2014). "Kenny stars in tale of puppetry, politics and greed". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  20. ^ "Des is in tune with nature in first solo exhibition in 18 years". Tipperary Live. 4 February 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  21. ^ "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.
  22. ^ Steven (9 October 2023). "Irish Film Review: The Hurler: A Campion's Tale". Film Ireland. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  23. ^ a b "2001 Winners". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  24. ^ a b "2023 Gold Derby Film Awards nominations: 'Everything Everywhere' leads with 14". Gold Derby. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  25. ^ 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.
  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. ^ 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.
  29. ^ Fitzgerald, Aine (24 December 2011). "D'Unbelievables Jon 'doing brilliantly' after triple bypass operation". Limerick Leader. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  30. ^ Sweeney, Ken (14 December 2011). "Comedian Kenny recovering after bypass surgery". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  31. ^ 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.
  32. ^ 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.
  33. ^ Mallon, Sandra (25 March 2024). "D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny tells fans that his cancer has returned". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  34. ^ Raleigh, David (17 November 2024). "Funeral arrangements for comedy and acting legend Jon Kenny announced". Limerick Post. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  35. ^ "Legendary Limerick actor and comedian Jon Kenny has died". Live95. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  36. ^ "Legendary Limerick actor and comedian Jon Kenny passes away". Limerick Leader. 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  37. ^ Gilbart, Manon; Gorman, Sally (16 November 2024). "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny dies, aged 66". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  38. ^ "Pat Shortt 'devastated' following death of Jon Kenny". RTÉ. 16 November 2024.
  39. ^ Ryan, Órla (19 November 2024). "Jon Kenny to be laid to rest in Limerick today". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  40. ^ Halloran, Cathy (19 November 2024). "'Larger than life' Jon Kenny celebrated at funeral mass". RTÉ.
  41. ^ "One Hell Of A Do". RTÉ Archives.
  42. ^ "Tributes to comedian and D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny following death at age of 66". The Irish News. 16 November 2024.
  43. ^ a b c d e "Tributes to Irish comedian Jon Kenny who starred in Father Ted". BBC News. 16 November 2024.
  44. ^ Levy, Emanuel (27 July 1997). "Angela Mooney Dies Again".
  45. ^ Radio Times, BBC Two (18 August 2000). "The Fitz". BBC Genome Project. Archived from the original on 16 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  46. ^ "Après Match As U2". RTÉ Archives.
  47. ^ Hanging with Hector Season 1. 11 August 2004. Retrieved 17 November 2024 – via trakt.tv.
  48. ^ "The Genius Of D'Unbelievables In 'Back Of The Church'". Balls.ie. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  49. ^ "Jon Kenny". RTÉ One. 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  50. ^ "The Restaurant". VIP Vidy. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  51. ^ The Podge and Rodge Show · S1 E6 · Jon Kenny, Frances Black. 21 February 2006. Retrieved 17 November 2024 – via Plex Inc.
  52. ^ "Comic Tiernan declares satirist O'Brien as father of Irish comedy". Irish Examiner. 3 April 2007.
  53. ^ "Former Miss World to grace red carpet for local movie premiere". Irish Independent. 20 May 2008.
  54. ^ "Father Ted star Jon Kenny dies. aged 66". The Independent. 16 November 2024.
  55. ^ "Na Bainisteoirí/ The Managers – Celebrity Bainisteoir". RTÉ One. 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  56. ^ "'Back to Front' fun with Jon Kenny". Irish Independent. 11 December 2008. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  57. ^ "2011 (I) Winners". thelamovieawards.com.
  58. ^ "RTÉ DVD Goody Bag comp". RTÉ. 17 December 2011.
  59. ^ "Joe Dolan – Sweet Little Rock N Roller". tv-media.at. 2012.
  60. ^ ""Mag Mell"". RTE Radio. 21 May 2014.
  61. ^ Rushe, Rose (31 October 2014). "New Limerick cinema – not so washed up". Limerick Post Newspaper.
  62. ^ Media, P. A. (16 November 2024). "Irish actor and comedian Jon Kenny dies aged 66". The Guardian.
  63. ^ a b "Actor and comedian Jon Kenny, 'an entertainer to his core', dies aged 66". The Irish Times.
  64. ^ "The Break". www.shortfilmwire.com.
  65. ^ "Pat". Shaun O' Connor.
  66. ^ "2019 Waterford Film Festival Programme". WATERFORD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.
  67. ^ "Documentaries on veteran actors Niall Tóibín and Richard Harris to air over the Christmas season". Irish Film and Television Network.
  68. ^ Columnist, Guest (24 March 2023). "The first trailer for the upcoming Irish comedy feature film "The Hurler: A Campion's Tale" has been released".
  69. ^ "For Your Consideration – 2024". IFTA Film & Drama Awards.
  70. ^ "International Online Cinema Awards (INOCA) (2023)". IMDb. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
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