Dermot Morgan was an Irish actor who is best known for his roles in Father Ted, Scrap Saturday, and his exceptional mimicry. He made significant contributions to comedy and television during his career.
Personal and Family Life
Dermot John Morgan was born on March 31, 1952, in Dublin, Ireland. He attended University College Dublin, studying English and Philosophy. Morgan was married to Suzanne, with whom he had two children, but the couple later divorced. He began his career in comedy while working as a teacher, eventually leaving his teaching job to pursue entertainment full-time.
Career Highlights
Dermot Morgan kicked off his television career with a role in the show “Live Mike” in 1979. Although his humor faced challenges in the mid-1980s, he later found success with his radio show “Scrap Saturday,” which satirized Irish politics. In 1995, he achieved great fame for his iconic role as Father Ted Crilly in the beloved sitcom “Father Ted,” garnering several awards for his performance.
Death and Legacy
Dermot Morgan passed away on February 28, 1998, from a heart attack in Richmond, Surrey, England. He had just completed the third series of “Father Ted” before his untimely death. Morgan’s legacy continues through his memorable performances and influence on Irish comedy, particularly in character-driven humor and satire.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The First Snow of Winter | 1998-12-25 | Voley (voice) |
| Dermot Morgan Live | 1994-09-02 | Himself |
| British Sitcom: 60 Years of Laughing at Ourselves | 2016-09-12 | Father Ted Crilly (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Taffin | 1988-02-26 | Micky Guest |
| Small, Far Away: The World of Father Ted | 2011-01-01 | |
| Hitler: The Comedy Years | 2007-05-10 | Father Ted Crilly (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Father Ted | 1995-04-21 | Father Ted Crilly |
| Shooting Stars | 1993-12-27 | Self |
| Comic Relief | 1988-02-05 | Father Ted Crilly |