Father Ted’s Frank Kelly is battling Parkinson's disease
Father Ted star Frank Kelly has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
The 70-year-old revealed the news in a recent interview but has said he is determined to keep working.
"I'm not going to let Parkinson's beat me. I'm just not that kind of person".
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder which results in the loss of muscle control. Symptoms include tremors or shaking, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and speech changes.
In an interview with the Irish Sun, Kelly spoke about his determination to continue acting despite his diagnosis.
"I've been working as an actor for over 50 years, and a shaky hand won't stop me,” he said.
“I remain open to offers for work on stage and screen. I'm quite available and my mobile is always on".
Kelly was diagnosed with the disease after he was admitted to hospital earlier this year with heart failure.
"That's when they diagnosed the Parkinson's. It was my first diagnosis but I am quite confident that I have had this for years and years," he explained
In 2011, Kelly received the all clear from bowel cancer after a five year battle.
Since then, the actor has put all his energy into writing his autobiography entitled, The Next Gig, a memoir of his years spent as a sub-editor at the Irish Press, the death of his friend and colleague Dermot Morgan and of course his time spent portraying the character of Father Jack in Father Ted.
"Memories can fade with the years so I thought it would be a good idea to get them down now".
