Annie Kent, best known for roles in Fair City and P.S. I Love You, has died.
The Irish actor was best known for her time across film, television and theatre, and her standout roles included playing the character Angela O’Connell in the Irish soap opera Fair City between 2005 and 2016, and Rose Kennedy in P.S. I Love You.
She is recognised for playing Mrs Rabbitte in the hit film The Commitments too. Other roles include an appearance in Coronation Street in 2018 playing Patti Truman, as well as Sheila in Baz Ashmawy’s Faithless, and Carmel Donovan in Red Rock back in 2017.
Her time on stage saw her star in productions including From These Green Heights, Waiting For Elvis and Cleaners.
News of her death recently broke, and it has been reported that the actor died suddenly on Tuesday (June 4) in Beaumont Hospital, surrounded by her family.
“Beloved wife of Pierce H and mother of Pierce T and Jayne. Adored loving Nana of Hannah, Aimee, Lucie, and Alice and sadly missed by her daughter-in-law Jenny, son-in-law Greg and her surviving brothers and sisters Terry, Jane and Charlie and sister-in-law Trish her nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends,” read a notice on RIP.ie.
I am gutted to hear that the wonderful Annie Kent has passed away. One of the finest people & actresses. I had the great pleasure of working with her many times over the years. A lady and a star.
Sending love to Pierce, all her family, friends & colleagueshttps://t.co/vndy8sFxhq pic.twitter.com/OyRJ6o58kM— Mark O’Brien (@obrienmark) June 6, 2024
Director Mark O’Brien wrote on X yesterday (June 6): “I am gutted to hear that the wonderful Annie Kent has passed away. One of the finest people & actresses. I had the great pleasure of working with her many times over the years. A lady and a star. Sending love to Pierce, all her family, friends & colleagues.”
According to Sunday World, a funeral service will take place tomorrow (Saturday June 8) in Dublin. The actor was originally from Mount Pleasant Square in Dublin’s Ranelagh, before moving to Gorey Co Wexford in recent years.
Fair City star Stephanie Kelly, who played Sash Bishop in the soap, shared a tribute online. “Sad to hear the news of Annie passing,” she wrote (via Metro). “Such a lovely lady. Thinking of all her loved ones. Rest in peace.”
Similarly, Pauline McLynn – recognised for her role of Mrs Doyle in Father Ted – said: “Annie was one of the most beautiful souls and most talented people I ever met or worked with – we laughed a LOT making Holding in West Cork and that’s how I will always remember her. all solace and condolence to you now.”
Other tributes paid online have come from Bad Sisters and Glenore star Joe McKinney. “Night night, Annie.Rest In Power. Love and Light,” the actor wrote following the news.