LONDON (AP) — Irish actor Frank Kelly, best known for playing a foul-mouthed priest with a fondness for spouting the words "Feck! Drink! Girls!" in the series 'Father Ted,' has died at age 77.

Ireland's president Michael Higgins was among the many prominent Irish figures offering tributes to Kelly on Sunday, describing it as a privilege to have him as a friend.

Kelly's most memorable role was as Father Jack, the swearing alcoholic priest in the "Father Ted," sitcom, which poked fun at the Roman Catholic church.

Kelly had suffered from Parkinson's, but had said he was determined to keep working. He told Irish broadcaster RTE "I've been working as an actor for over 50 years, and a shaky hand certainly won't stop me."

He added that his "mobile is always on."