Ben Keaton, the Irish actor widely recognized for his work on Casualty and other popular television shows, has died at the age of 70.
He passed away at Lincoln County Hospital on Friday, with the news confirmed in a tribute published by The Irish Times on Sunday.
Keaton’s career spanned decades and mediums, leaving a mark on television, theatre, and film. He played Spencer on Casualty between 1999 and 2002, appeared as Jeff Brannigan in Emmerdale, and portrayed Father Austin Purcell in a 1995 episode of Father Ted. His television credits also include The Bill, Doctors, and Double Time. Beyond acting, Keaton contributed to the industry as a writer for Balamory, Gumtree, and Hubbub.
His impact extended to the stage, where he delivered memorable performances in productions such as Animal Crackers, Harvey, Cyrano de Bergerac, and Hay Fever. He was a founder member of the improv group South Of The River and later directed the Creative Academy.
In 2008, he began teaching at the University of Lincoln, focusing on Physical Theatre and Acting for Camera, and in 2013, he established the Lincoln Film and Television School.
Family members, friends, and colleagues expressed their grief and admiration. A tribute in The Irish Times read, “Ben will be forever greatly missed, loved and fondly remembered by his ex-wife Polly, son Waldo and daughter Daisy, brothers Des and Thom, and sister Jeanette.”
His ex-wife, Polly, shared her own heartfelt statement on Facebook. “So incredibly sorry to say Ben Keaton died last night. It was very sudden, and we are all in shock,” she wrote.
“We had separated several years ago, but we shared half a lifetime together, infuriating and making each other cry with laughter in equal measure.
He was a great dad to Waldo and Daisy and the finest Groucho and Cyrano I have ever seen.”
Nottingham Playhouse also paid tribute, highlighting his contributions to theatre. “We are so sorry to hear of the death of Ben Keaton, a wonderful actor who is fondly remembered in our 2008 production of Vertigo. Sending our deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” the theatre said.
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