Wikipedia

Jon Kenny

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

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 active
  • 1970s–2000
  • 2010–2023
Spouse
Margie Kenny
​
(m. 1990)​
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 the 1970s, performing with the Limerick band Gimik before switching to acting.[8]

Career

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Kenny was an accomplished singer, having performed with Sharon Shannon,[9] and a supporter of Munster Rugby.[10][11] He filmed a lead role in the independent Irish feature film Insatiable, directed by Jessie Kirby.[12] On his 2007 DVD, Back to Front, Kenny said he played his first serious role in the film, the "nastiest man in Ireland".[13]

Kenny had dyslexia[14] and never received formal training.[15]

Having taken a 10 year break from performing due to his illness, Kenny returned to solo comedy in 2010 and continued to perform throughout Ireland with his one-man show.[16] In the spring of 2007, Kenny released his first solo stand-up DVD Back to Front.[17]

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.[18][19]

Kenny portrayed the character Gerry in The Banshees of Inisherin in 2022.[20] 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.[21]

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 their work on The Banshees of Inisherin in 2023.[22] They were also nominated for the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble in 2023 for their work on the film.[23]

Personal life

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Kenny with Seán Kelly in 2014

Kenny was married to Margie Kenny since 1990 and had 2 children.[4][24]

Illness and death

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Kenny was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2000 and received a stem cell transplant.[25] He was fully treated in 2004.[26] In 2011, Kenny underwent a triple heart bypass and suffered from heart failure afterwards.[27][28] His cancer recurred in 2020 and he underwent lung surgery.[29]

Kenny died of heart failure and lung cancer at the Galway Clinic, on 15 November 2024, at the age of 66.[30][31][32] He had suffered from a heart attack on 10 November and hadn't regained consciousness since.[33]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1994 One Hell of a Do[34] Self Writer
1995–1996 Father Ted[35] Michael Cocheese
Fred Rickwood		 2 episodes: "The Passion of Saint Tibulus", and "A Song for Europe"
1996 The Van[36] Gerry McCarthy
1996 Angela Mooney Dies Again[37] Chaplin
1996 D'Video[38] Self Producer, writer
1998 D'Telly[38] Music department
1998 Les Misérables[36] Thénardier
1999 Angela's Ashes[36] Lavatory Man
2000 The Fitz[39] John F. 6 episodes
2001 D'Mother[38] Director, writer, composer, guitar
2001 The Late Late Show[40] Self 1 episode
2004 Hanging with Hector[41] Season 2
Featured along with Ken Doherty
2005 D'Collection[42] Compilation
2005 The Restaurant[43] Head Chef 1 episode: Season 3 Episode 5[44]
2006 The Podge and Rodge Show [45] 1 episode: Season 1 Episode 6
Co-guest with Frances Black
2007 40 Myles On: A Night of Irish Comedy[46]
2008 Dick Dickman P.I.[47]
2008 Insatiable[48] Mr Harvey
2008 Celebrity Bainisteoir[49] 8 episodes
2008 Back to Front[50] Host Self performance
2011 Escape of the Gingerbread Man!!![51] Paul/Storyteller/Kids Voice for Kids
2011 D'Unbelievables One Hell of a Do[52] Tom/GAA Coach/Himself Self
2012 Joe Dolan - Sweet Little Rock N Roller[53] Self 1 episode
2012–2014 Mag Mell[54] PJ Foley Set decoration, costume design
2014 All Washed Up[55] Johnaton Renmore
2014 Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie[56] Cunningham
2014 Song of the Sea[57] Ferry Dan/The Great Seanachaí Voice
2015 The Break[58] Derek
2016 Pat[59] Pat Titular character
2019 Love Her Bones[60] Tom Kenneflick
2019 The Tommy Tiernan Show[36] Self 1 episode
2019 Niall Tóibín - Everyman[61] Self
2020 Wolfwalkers[57] Stringy Woodcutter Voice
2022 The Banshees of Inisherin[36] Gerry
2023 Me Head is Wrecked with Tony Kelly[62] Self Voice on 1 episode
2023 The Hurler: A Campion's Tale[63] Billy Byrne

Awards and nominations

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Year Association Category Work Result Reference
2023 Gold Derby Awards [fr] Best Ensemble The Banshees of Inisherin Nominated [22]
2023 Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Acting Ensemble The Banshees of Inisherin Nominated [23]
2023 International Online Cinema Awards Best Ensemble Cast The Banshees of Inisherin Won [64]

Further reading

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These are archives held by the Limerick City Library; containing books, journals, newspapers and audio-visual material about famous people from both Limerick and County Limerick.[65][66] They include Kenny.

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