Actor David Kelly Dies at 82
Veteran Irish actor David Kelly died on Sunday at the age of 82, following a brief illness.
The Irish actor, who was famous for roles in the films, "Walking Ned Devine," and his role as Grandpa Joe in Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
The Goatstown-born actor, who was the son of a publisher, was well known in his native Ireland as a treasured actor. He received a lifetime achievement award at the Irish Film and Television awards in 2005.
Kelly was famous throughout Britain in the 1960s and 1970s due to his various roles on national sitcoms and in films, where he often played the role of an eccentric Irishman.
Kelly stared in the sitcoms "Robin's Nest" and "On the Buses." He gained widespread notoriety and acclaim for his role as Grandpa Joe Bucket opposite Johnny Depp in Tim Burton's modern version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
Upon his death, the Irish times referred to him as the "grand old man of Irish acting."
"From his impeccable ensembles to his pitch-perfect manner and masterful comedic timing, David Kelly was an actor from a different generation whose talent was matched only by his charm," The Irish Times wrote.
Friends and colleagues have come out to morn the loss of the actor.
"He was a hilarious man. He had an outlook on life that was slightly skewed and made you laugh all the time," friend and fellow actor Niall Toibin told the Telegraph.
"Old fashioned manners and with impeccable taste, David was a privilege to know and work with," Gate Theatre Director Michael Colgan told The Irish Times.
"He was the gentleman of our profession," the director added.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced yet. Kelly leaves behind a wife, actress Laurie Morton, and two children.
