Peter Caffrey, actor, dies aged 58

The actor Peter Caffrey, best known for his roles in the TV drama Ballykissangel and films such as I Went Down , died yesterday…

The actor Peter Caffrey, best known for his roles in the TV drama Ballykissangeland films such as I Went Down, died yesterday at the age of 58.

Caffrey, who never fully recovered from a stroke he suffered several years ago, died yesterday in England.

He started his acting career on stage in Dublin in the early 1970s and went on to become a familiar face on British and Irish film and television

He took part part in numerous productions in Dublin's Project Arts Theatre and in the UK in the 1970s and 80s. Among the highlights of his stage career was his lead role in Children Of A Lesser Godin London's West End.

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However, he became best known for his film and television work. He appeared in Neil Jordan's first film, Angel, and went on to act in numerous films in the 1980s and 1990s, such as A Love Dividedand Night Train. He received widespread praise for his portrayal of Frank Grogan in I Went Down.

His TV work included the RTÉ series Bracken, Father Ted, Peak Practiceand Coronation Street.

In 1992 he was diagnosed with cancer. However, he recovered and secured a role in the TV drama series Ballykissangel.

Despite suffering a stroke just over seven years ago, he planned to return to acting. He was due to appear in an independent movie, Sweet Dancer. However his health took a turn in recent months and he died yesterday.

He is survived by his sisters Linda, Sheila and Carol.

Carl O'Brien

Carl O'Brien

Carl O'Brien is Education Editor of The Irish Times. He was previously chief reporter and social affairs correspondent