Ireland and the British television world are mourning the loss of acclaimed actor Frank Grimes, who has died at the age of 78 after a brief illness.

The Irish Cultural Centre (ICC) confirmed the sad news, revealing that the beloved performer passed away peacefully on August 1, surrounded by his wife and family. “Frank was undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest actors — warm-hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm, with a sparkle in his eyes,” the ICC said in a heartfelt tribute.

Born in Dublin, Grimes trained as a theatre actor and quickly gained acclaim for his stage work, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor early in his career. His magnetic presence and versatility later took him to television and film, where he became a familiar face to millions.

Grimes was best known to British audiences for his role as Barry Connor in the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street, and as the memorable Mr. O’Leary in the hit comedy Mrs Brown’s Boys. Beyond the small screen, his film credits included acclaimed titles such as A Bridge Too Far, Royal Flash, The Whales of August, and Blind Justice.

Friends and fans alike have described him as “a true gentleman” and “a master of his craft,” known for his humility and passion for storytelling both on and off the stage.

“Frank’s death marks the end of an era,” the ICC statement continued. “Ireland has lost one of its truly great actors — the kind of talent so rare that it may never be matched again.”

His colleagues from Coronation Street and Mrs Brown’s Boys have begun sharing tributes online, remembering him as a generous performer who brought depth and heart to every role he played.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, as the entertainment world bids farewell to one of its most distinguished and beloved Irish talents.