Tributes are being paid to Irish actor Pat Laffan, who has died aged 79.
He was perhaps best known for playing George Burgess in the 1993 film 'The Snapper', opposite Colm Meaney.
He also played the memorable character of Pat Mustard in an episode of 'Fr Ted'.
His career started at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1961, and spanned five decades.
The Abbey said in a tweet: "He will be sorely missed".
Very sad to hear that Pat Laffan has passed away. His career at the Abbey started in 1961 and spanned five decades. He will be sorely missed. He is pictured (centre) in one of his earliest appearances here in The Enemy Within in 1962. pic.twitter.com/F1zOdtBK0E
— Abbey Theatre (@AbbeyTheatre) March 14, 2019
While the Gate Theatre said: "Over the years, Pat was an incredible force in the Irish theatre community and was no stranger to the Gate throughout his prolific career as an actor and director.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Irish actor Pat Laffan has passed away. Over the years, Pat was an incredible force in the Irish theatre community and was no stranger to the Gate throughout his prolific career as an actor and director. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/f9LGqDWRt1
— Gate Theatre (@GateTheatreDub) March 14, 2019
'Fr Ted' writer and co-creator Graham Linehan said: "Rest in peace, Pat, a pleasure to work with you."
While 'Fr Ted' actress Pauline McLynn simply said: "RIP the wonderful Pat Laffan x"
RIP the wonderful Pat Laffan x https://t.co/1sdHDqaGDP
— Pauline McLynn (@PaulineMcLynn1) March 14, 2019
Actor Laurence Kinlan wrote: "I'm devesated to hear of the passing of the amazing Pat Laffan.
"I was very fortunate to get to work with him over the years.
"He was one funny man under his hard exterior.
"A gentle giant. He left us with some incredible performances, most notably as Georgie Burgess. RIP my friend".
I’m devesated to hear of the passing of the amazing Pat Laffan. I was very fortunate to get to work with him over the years. He was one funny man under his hard exterior. A gentle giant. He left us with some incredible performances, most notably as Georgie Burgess. RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/FVnJlrpUy6
— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) March 14, 2019
Laffan was a former member of the Abbey Theatre Company in the 1960s and 70s, and director of the Peacock Theatre in the 1970s.
He also directed in the Gate Theatre from 1979 to 1982.
His performances in films also included 'The Queen', 'Intermission' and 'The General'.
Main image: Actor Pat Laffan pictured in 1997 | Image: RollingNews.ie
