The comedian, and one half of the D’Unbelievables, said he was “lucky” to have spent so many years with Mr Kenny “creating some great shows”.
Posting on social media this evening, Mr Shortt said: “We are all devastated with the news of Jon passing and our thoughts are with Margy Aaron and Leah. I was lucky to spend so many years touring with Jon and learning from him. Creating some great shows and videos. Hilarious hours in the rehearsal room and playing great tunes. But sitting in the kitchen with Margy and Caroline just having the craic in Lough Gur will never be forgotten. Thanks Jon.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris and President Michael D Higgins also paid tribute to the comedy legend today.
From Hospital, in Co Limerick, he was best known as part of the Irish comic duo D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt.
Mr Kenny and Pat Shortt had recently reunited for roles in Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin alongside Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
The successful comedy duo toured across Ireland together until 2000 until Mr Kenny was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The duo released One Hell of a Video, D’Unbelievables, D’Video, D’Telly, D’Mother and D’collection.
Pat Shortt and Jon Kenny (circa 2000)
In 2020, he was given another cancer diagnosis and had to have part of his lung removed. In recent years he suffered from heart failure and underwent a heart bypass.
Mr Kenny was catapulted into Irish comedy’s big leagues when he starred as Fred Rickwood in Father Ted.
He also starred in The Matchmaker, Insatiable and Les Misérables.
Earlier this week The Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville, Cork, announced the cancellation of its event which Mr Kenny was scheduled to perform on Saturday.
In a statement to the Limerick Leader, Mr Kenny’s family said: “Jon grabbed life and shook it as hard as he could getting every ounce of fun, madness and love from it – his wit, humour, generosity and kindness will outlast his passing.
“The memories and stories of those who knew him will be his legend,” they added.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 16th November 2024
In a statement released this evening, President Michael D Higgins said: “It is with great sadness that so many people, and in particular all those who appreciated his particular brand of humour, will have learned of the death of Jon Kenny.
“With his impeccable, natural talent for humour and an ability to raise a laugh with just the slightest action, Jon brought so much joy and laughter in his work with Pat Shortt as one half of the D’Unbelievables. Immensely popular amongst all his colleagues, for Pat Shortt it will be an incredible loss of his partner in showbusiness.
“With his solo work and beyond – including his outstanding work as a stage and film actor and poet – Jon Kenny has left what is a substantial body of work which will be recalled with the greatest warmth by the Irish public.
“It was part of the generosity of his character that he spoke about his health issues, and in this he demonstrated his trademark warmth and humour, while providing an inspiration to those suffering from their own illnesses.
“May I extend my deepest sympathies to Jon’s wife, Margie, to his children Leah and Aaron, and to all of his family, friends and fellow performers.
“He will be deeply missed by all those who appreciated his extraordinary talent. “
Jon Kenny
Taoiseach Simon Harris also expressed his sadness at the news saying: “It is with the utmost sadness that I have learned of the death of writer, actor and comedian Jon Kenny.
“Jon had the ability, that very few people possess, to make his audiences crack up laughing with a glance or a single word.
“Behind that seemingly effortless talent to joke, there was a gifted performer and an extremely deep thinker.
“Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D’Unbelievables.
“I was in his native Limerick last night when word of his death came through and to say he is beloved, is a huge understatement.
“I personally admired the honest and reflective way Jon spoke about illness with Oliver Callan on radio earlier this year. Like everything he did, it was very human and very real.
“To Jon’s family, friends and huge circle of colleagues and peers, I am truly sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.”
In a tribute, Tánaiste Micheál Martin described him as “one of our most iconic actors and comedians”.
“Deeply saddened at the passing of Jon Kenny,” Mr Martin said in a statement.
“Through the D’Unbelievables, and his appearances on stage & on screen, Jon made us smile. He was an entertainer to his core.
“Deepest sympathies to his wife Margie and family at this time,” he added.
Jon Kenny and Norma Sheahan in The Matchmaker
Speaking to the Irish Independent in 2022, Mr Kenny said: “God, I’ve had it on and off, but half the time I wouldn’t even tell the wife, I’d just go in and get it sorted.
“The one reason I would ever mention it or not mention it is because the thing I say is that I’m so lucky. I don’t ever panic, but I’ve learned to keep an eye on myself.
“Sure it’s all part of life, right? I will say though, I am so lucky, and I know I’m one of the lucky ones,” he said at the time.
The comedian has been described as a “true legend of Irish comedy”, “one of Ireland’s greatest” and a “lovely man”.
His Matchmaker co-star Mary McEvoy said her friend was “bonkers in the best possible way”.
While speaking to RTÉ Radio One’s Brendan O’Connor, she said: “He always had to create. He couldn’t let something lie. He was always working at something.
“I don’t think there was ever anybody like him. I don’t think there’s anyone coming after him.
“He had the most exquisite singing voice. He often burst into song again in the car, just for the craic like and it was a pleasure to listen to him.
“I often said to Jon, I can nearly prefer just to be friends with you than act with you because the play nearly gets in the way of everything.
“Just had such craic together and I was talking to [his wife] Margie, who was his soulmate, and she just said: ‘The way he went, everybody was around him. It was terribly peaceful’.
“He worked right up to the very last minute. Two weeks ago since he did his last show,” she said.
Jon Kenny pictured in Cork City Centre Picture Clare Keogh
Local Labour Party councillor for Limerick City North Conor Sheehan described Mr Kenny as a “Limerick legend”.
“Jon Kenny, especially with his iconic double act with Pat Shortt, was, first of all, a very proud son of Limerick,” he told the Irish Independent.
“He was a Limerick legend. He was an iconic entertainer but he was more than just a comedian. He was also a serious actor. He was also well able to sing. He was a performer.
“And I just think that this is so tragic. It’s so sad.
“I’m just devastated to hear because he was only 66 and that’s no age at all.
“My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time, and may he rest in peace,” he added.
Local Fine Gael councillor for Limerick City North Olivia O’Sullivan told the Irish Independent that “people are in shock” following the death of the comedy legend.
“It’s very sad news. People are in shock, really, a lot of people are in disbelief,” she said.
Mr Kenny was grand marshal of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Limerick last year.
“It was a great honour and I’m delighted that Limerick recognised Jon at that time and in that way,” said Ms O’Sullivan.
“We’re very proud of him and everything that he had achieved, especially when something like this happens and it’s a shock, it’s quite sudden.
“He’s just been a constant Limerick entertainer. He has been representing us nationally and internationally.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends and my sympathy goes to all of them and everyone that knew him,” she added.