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Gerard Kelly
Gerard Kelly
Gerard Kelly
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Gerard Kelly (born Paul Kelly; 27 May 1959 – 28 October 2010) was a Scottish actor who appeared in many comedies, including City Lights, Rab C Nesbitt, Scotch and Wry and Extras. He had more serious roles as well, including PC David Gallagher in Juliet Bravo (1981), the villainous Jimmy in EastEnders (1994) and the villainous Callum Finnegan in Brookside (1997–2000).

Key Information

Career

[edit]

From 1984 to 1991, Kelly appeared in the BBC comedy City Lights as the central character Willie Melvin, a bank clerk who dreams of becoming a writer despite having no talent for it.

Kelly had a small part in the film Comic Strip Presents... Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door (1987) and as the music video director in More Bad News (1987). In 1983 Kelly was featured in "Killer", the pilot episode of the long-running Scottish crime drama series Taggart.[2]

In 2005 and 2007, he appeared in the Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant comedy series Extras as Ian "Bunny" Bunton.[3]

From 2007-10 he appeared regularly as Father Henderson, a camp Doctor Who-loving priest, in the award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy Fags, Mags and Bags. In 2011, after Kelly's death, reference was made in the series to Father Henderson's move to another parish and to the fact that the new priest can never replace him.[3]

Stage performances

[edit]

In 1994 Kelly played Felix Ungar in a Scottish touring production of The Odd Couple, relocated to modern-day Glasgow, alongside Craig Ferguson as Oscar Madison. Kelly reprised the role at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2002, this time opposite his former City Lights co-star Andy Gray.[citation needed]

In 2006 and 2007 Kelly directed and starred in a Scottish play, Rikki and Me, celebrating the life of the comedian Rikki Fulton, in which he played the role of Jack Milroy.[4]

Kelly played the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show in Edinburgh and Aberdeen from 21 June to 3 July 2010. He was due to revive this performance for one week at the King's Theatre, Glasgow, from 8 to 13 November 2010.[5]

Kelly was well known for his appearances in pantomime at the King's Theatre. He headlined the show for 20 years and was crowned King of Panto. In 2008 he appeared in Cinderella,[6] and the following year (2009/2010) he starred in Aladdin, his last pantomime.[citation needed]

Death and tribute

[edit]

Kelly was due to star in the 2010/2011 King's Theatre production of Snow White in Glasgow, but died on 28 October 2010 at the West Middlesex University Hospital in Isleworth,[7][8] after collapsing with a brain aneurysm.[9] His funeral service took place in Glasgow on 12 November.[10]

On New Year's Eve 2010, BBC1 Scotland broadcast an hour-long tribute, Gerard Kelly: A Celebration.[11] In 2013, the King's Theatre, Glasgow unveiled a bronze sculpture in tribute to Kelly.[12]

Kelly never married or had children and left his estate to a friend of 18 years, Terry Kiely.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Gerard Kelly

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Gerard Kelly (born Paul Kelly; 27 May 1959 – 28 October 2010) was a Scottish and best known for his television roles in comedies such as , where he played Willie Melvin, and , as well as his long-standing prominence in pantomime productions at the King's Theatres in and . Born in , he began his career in the late 1970s with stage appearances, including in the trilogy, and later gained widespread recognition through Scottish television series like and . Kelly also featured in English soap operas, portraying Jimmy Coogan in (1994) and Callum Finnegan in Brookside (1997–2000), and appeared in Ricky Gervais's Extras as Ian "Bunny" Bunton (2005). Additionally, he directed plays for the 7:84 theatre company in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including (1989) and Revolting Peasants (1991). Kelly's pantomime career spanned over 20 years, where he became a staple performer, often opening shows with his catchphrase "Hiya pals!" to enthusiastic audiences. He also took on film roles, such as in Ae Fond Kiss... (2004), and was set to star in a production of at the time of his death. Kelly, born Paul Kelly, changed his professional name upon joining the actors' union Equity. He passed away on 28 October 2010 at age 51 in , following a brain aneurysm at his home; he was survived by his sister and brothers and .

Early life

Upbringing

Gerard Kelly was born Paul Kelly on 27 May 1959 in , . He grew up in a working-class of five children, where his owned and operated a local , providing a modest but stable foundation in the city's east end. Kelly's upbringing took place in the Cranhill district, a scheme developed in Glasgow's east end to address the severe shortages following . This area, characterized by its tight-knit working-class community, offered a vibrant yet challenging environment shaped by the city's industrial recovery and social dynamics of the era. From an early age, Kelly was immersed in the local culture of , including its communal traditions and everyday rhythms of east end life, which instilled in him a deep connection to Scottish working-class heritage. This formative period in post-war , marked by resilience and community solidarity amid economic rebuilding, laid the groundwork for his later affinity with authentic, relatable characters in performance.

Entry into acting

Kelly's interest in acting was first recognized by a drama teacher at St Gregory's in Glasgow's district, who spotted his potential during his early teenage years. The teacher introduced him to director Lauren Henson, leading to his professional debut at age 12 in 1971 with a television commercial. Henson, noting that another actor named Paul Kelly was already registered with the actors' union Equity, advised the young performer—born Paul Kelly—to adopt name Gerard Kelly to avoid confusion. This initial break secured Kelly an agent and marked his transition from school dramatics to professional pursuits, beginning with roles in productions. In 1974, he appeared in the adventure series The Camerons, a television serial aimed at young audiences. By the mid-1970s, Kelly had begun building stage experience through local theatre in , performing in over 20 productions at the , including The Changeling in 1976 and in 1977. His early television work continued into the late , with a notable dramatic role as a teenager with learning difficulties in the 1978 BBC installment Donal and Sally. These initial local and small-screen appearances solidified his shift to a full-time acting career, paving the way for more prominent opportunities in the .

Professional career

Television roles

Kelly made his television debut in 1978 with a sketch in the first series of the sketch comedy , appearing in episode 7. In 1981, he took an early dramatic role as PC in the BBC police drama [Juliet Bravo](/page/Juliet Bravo), where he appeared as a young in several episodes of the second series. This part showcased his ability to handle serious law enforcement narratives alongside established actors like Stephanie Turner. His breakthrough came with the Scottish sitcom (1984–1991), in which he starred as the bumbling bank clerk Willie Melvin, a character defined by hapless schemes and family mishaps that endeared him to audiences across . The series, broadcast on , ran for six seasons and became a cornerstone of regional comedy, with Kelly's portrayal of the ever-optimistic underachiever earning him widespread recognition as a leading comic talent. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kelly built a reputation through recurring appearances in prominent programs, including spots in Scotch and Wry from 1978 onward, where he contributed to the show's satirical takes on everyday life. He also featured in , playing characters like the smug councillor Sandy McKean in episodes such as "Right" (1993), adding to the series' irreverent humor. In 1994, he took on a more antagonistic role as the violent Jimmy Coogan in the , demonstrating his range beyond comedy in a high-profile storyline. Kelly's later television work further highlighted his versatility, including the gangster Callum Finnegan in Channel 4's Brookside from 1997 to 2000, a role that involved intense dramatic arcs centered on crime and family conflict. He also appeared as PC Duggan in the 1996 episode "No Man Is an Island" of the series . He reprised comedic flair as Ian "Bunny" Bunton, a flamboyant director, in Ricky Gervais's Extras during its first series in 2005 and second in 2007. From 2007 to 2010, he voiced Father Henderson, a Doctor Who-obsessed priest, in the comedy series , blending humor with cultural references in a format that extended his reach into audio-visual entertainment. Overall, Kelly's television contributions solidified his status in Scottish comedy, where his portrayals of flawed yet relatable characters in shows like and helped shape the genre's focus on working-class wit and resilience, while his dramatic turns in and Brookside underscored his adaptability across tones and formats.

Film roles

Gerard Kelly's film career, though more limited than his extensive television work, featured supporting roles that highlighted his comedic flair and dramatic range in British productions. His early screen appearance came in the 1981 Madness mockumentary Take It or Leave It, where he portrayed Dick the Ted, a character reflecting the band's punk-rock origins in a satirical take on their rise to fame. Kelly gained notable recognition through his involvement in Channel 4's Presents... anthology series, which blended television and cinematic styles in independent . In (1987), directed by , he played Hilary, a bumbling in the chaotic gangster starring and , showcasing his timing in absurd, violent humor. That same year, he appeared in More Bad News (1987), the sequel to the mockumentary about the fictional heavy metal band Bad News, as the exasperated promo director attempting to wrangle the group's antics during a music video shoot, further emphasizing his skill in ensemble comedy. Later in his career, Kelly ventured into more serious dramatic territory with a role in Ken Loach's Ae Fond Kiss... (2004), a British independent film exploring cultural clashes in multicultural . He portrayed the parish priest, a stern and prejudiced figure who confronts the protagonist's Irish Catholic over her interfaith relationship, delivering a performance that underscored tensions in post-9/11 Britain. These roles, often in low-budget or alternative cinema, positioned Kelly as a reliable in the UK's indie scene, though his film output remained sparse compared to his dominance on .

Stage performances

Gerard Kelly began his stage career in the 1970s at the Citizens' Theatre in Glasgow, where he appeared in over 20 productions during the mid-to-late decade, including roles in The Changeling (1976) and The Country Wife (1977). One of his notable early theatre roles was as Spanky Farrell in the 1982 stage revival of John Byrne's The Slab Boys at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, following its initial 1979 television adaptation. Kelly gained acclaim for his comic timing in Neil Simon's The Odd Couple, portraying the neurotic Felix Ungar in a Scottish touring production in 1994, reimagined in a setting, and reviving the role in 2002 with the Borderline Theatre Company. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kelly directed plays for the 7:84 theatre company, including (1989) and Revolting Peasants (1991). He established a enduring presence in Scottish , performing annually for 20 years at the King's Theatre in starting with Mother Goose in 1989, where he typically played the lead comic character, delivering improvised humor and audience interaction that became a holiday staple. This tradition culminated in his final appearance as Wishee Washee in during the 2009/2010 season, co-starring with and . In 2006–2007, Kelly directed and starred as in Rikki and Me, a tribute play chronicling the life and partnership of comedian , alongside Tony Roper as Fulton, which toured Scottish venues including the King's Theatre. Kelly received praise for his performance as Dogberry in the 1993 West End production of Shakespeare's at the Queen's Theatre, directed by , where his comedic portrayal contributed to the show's success alongside leads and . His last stage role was as the Narrator in , which he performed during its 2010 tour, including in and ; he was scheduled to reprise it for a week at the King's in at the time of his death.

Personal life and death

Relationships

Gerard Kelly maintained a private , never marrying and having no children throughout his lifetime. He kept details of any romantic relationships out of the public eye, with no known partners disclosed in media reports or biographical accounts. While he had siblings—brothers and , and sister —there were no publicly noted estrangements, though his will reflected a deliberate choice in inheritance distribution. Kelly's approach to privacy extended to his adult relationships, focusing instead on deep, platonic bonds that provided familial support outside of blood ties. A significant aspect of Kelly's personal fulfillment came from his close 18-year friendship with English actor , whom he supported generously from Kiely's early career days. This bond was described as profoundly familial in nature, with Kiely viewing Kelly as a who offered guidance and stability. The depth of their relationship was evident in Kelly's 2007 will, in which he bequeathed his £145,000 estate, including money from repeat television fees and his share of a flat in , to Kiely (with some personal effects going to relatives), excluding his siblings whom he believed to be financially secure. No familial disputes arose from this decision, underscoring the mutual understanding in Kelly's circle. In his later years, Kelly resided primarily in , where he collapsed at his home in , , shortly before his death. Despite this relocation for professional opportunities, he preserved strong ties to his Scottish roots, owning a shared property in and arranging for his to take place there, with select friends' travel expenses covered from his estate. This balance reflected his enduring connection to his upbringing in , , even as his life centered in .

Death and tributes

Gerard Kelly died on 28 October 2010 at the age of 51 after suffering a brain aneurysm while at his home in , . He collapsed earlier that week and passed away in intensive care at West Middlesex University Hospital, surrounded by family. His funeral took place on 12 November 2010 at St Aloysius' Church in Glasgow's Garnethill area, followed by a private service at Daldowie Crematorium. Hundreds of mourners, including fellow Scottish actors and comedians such as and , attended to pay their respects, with Kelly's cortege passing by the King's Theatre—a venue central to his career—for a final tribute. BBC Scotland aired an hour-long tribute program, Gerard Kelly: A Celebration, on 31 December 2010, featuring clips from his career and reflections from colleagues on his comedic talent and warmth. In 2013, the King's Theatre in unveiled a permanent as a memorial to Kelly: a cast of his signature Doc Martens boots, placed on a plinth in the foyer to honor his iconic roles. The tribute was revealed on what would have been his 54th birthday, 27 May, symbolizing his grounded yet larger-than-life presence on stage. Following his death, major media outlets published obituaries reflecting on Kelly's profound contributions to Scottish entertainment, particularly his mastery of comedy and pantomime that brought joy to generations. The Guardian described him as a "consummate performer who reigned supreme" in Glasgow and Edinburgh theaters for two decades, emphasizing his physical comedy and versatility. BBC coverage highlighted tributes from stars like Elaine C. Smith, who called him "the funniest man I have ever worked with," underscoring his irreplaceable role in Scottish cultural life. Kelly's legacy endures through his enduring popularity in Scottish comedy and theater, with his work in pantomimes and series like continuing to resonate with audiences. No major new tributes or memorials have emerged since the 2013 sculpture unveiling as of 2025, but his influence remains evident in annual pantomime traditions at the King's Theatre.

References

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/02/gerard-kelly-obituary
  2. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-11649909
  3. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/231701/Young-actor-is-left-145-000-by-tragic-Gerard
  4. https://www.streetlevelphotoworks.org/event/glaswegians-cranhill-arts
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/feb/08/poor-glasgow-safe-seat-cranhill-labour-snp-election-voters
  6. https://www.scotsman.com/news/bye-bye-pals-see-you-later-farewells-at-gerard-kellys-funeral-1696479
  7. https://www.bigissue.com/culture/art/cranhill-arts-project-glasgow-community/
  8. https://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst3045.html
  9. https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/gerard-kelly-wmbgdh0bd9l
  10. https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/the-tenement-house/a-social-history-of-glasgow
  11. https://www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/arts_ents/24174922.gerard-kelly-city-lights-superstars-light-went-far-soon/
  12. https://www.alledinburghtheatre.com/%C3%A6-blog-interview-with-the-late-gerard-kelly/
  13. http://citizenstheatre.blogspot.com/2012/05/welcome-back-gerard.html
  14. https://wiki.scotlandonair.com/wiki/Scotch_and_Wry/episodes
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076995/fullcredits
  16. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n59tb
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0915684/characters/nm0002248
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0595602/
  19. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fbn96
  20. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/take_it_or_leave_it_2018
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095664/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0544879/
  23. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11735228
  24. https://www.theguardian.com/film/News_Story/Critic_Review/Guardian_Film_of_the_week/0%2C%2C1306044%2C00.html
  25. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/23171658.remembering-gerard-kelly-famous-glasgow-panto-roles/
  26. https://www.thetimes.com/article/aladdin-at-kings-theatre-glasgow-j0m9f6f6599
  27. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002248/
  28. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/revealed-tv-star-gerard-kelly-1096236
  29. https://www.irwinmitchell.com/news-and-insights/newsandmedia/2011/march/actor-s-will-demonstrates-importance-of-family-understanding
  30. https://www.mylondon.news/news/local-news/isleworth-star-tv-stage-gerard-5993427
  31. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/hundreds-turn-out-for-funeral-of-panto-1075522
  32. https://news.sky.com/story/stars-attend-funeral-for-actor-gerard-kelly-10490918
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1805238/
  34. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/13256975.tribute-to-gerard-kelly-is-unveiled-at-glasgows-kings-theatre/
  35. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13105701.bronze-theatre-unveil-tribute-gerard-kelly-doc-martens/
  36. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11652663
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