Pat Laffan death: Father Ted actor who played Pat Mustard in classic sitcom dies, aged 79

The Irish-born actor had roles in almost 40 films and 30 television shows

(PA)

Pat Laffan, best known for his role as milkman Pat Mustard in Father Ted, has died aged 79.

The news was confirmed by his agents, the Lisa Richards Agency, in a statement posted on social media, which described him as “one of the leading stage actors of his generation”.

“All here will remember him first and foremost as our friend and mentor and we will miss him terribly,” the agency, who represented him for almost 30 years, added.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.”

The Irish-born actor had roles in almost 40 films and 30 television shows, including in BBC’s Eastenders, Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, and RTE’s The Clinic. His last onscreen role was in Chris O’Dowd’s comedy series Moone Boy.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Laffan was a member of the Abbey Theatre Company. The organisation said he would be “sorely missed”, posting a picture of his role in The Enemy Within in 1962.

Laffan also had the role of director at the Peacock Theatre, and directed at the Gate Theatre between 1979 and 1982. The Gate Theatre called Laffan ”an incredible force in the Irish theatre community”

Father Ted creator Graham Linehan paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Rest in peace, Pat, a pleasure to work with you.”

Pauline McLynn, who played Mrs Doyle on the show, also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “RIP the wonderful Pat Laffan”.