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Frank Grimes obituary
Tributes pour in for Frank Grimes after the death of the Corrie and Mrs Brown's Boys star at age 78.
Frank Grimes, known for Coronation Street and Mrs Brown's Boys, has died at 78 after a short illness, prompting a wave of tributes.
Frank Grimes dies at 78 as tributes flood in
Frank Grimes, a Bafta-winning actor best known for his role as Barry Connor on Coronation Street and for appearances on Mrs Brown’s Boys, has died at 78 after a short illness. The news was confirmed by the Irish Cultural Centre in London, which described him as warm, witty and a memorable presence on stage and screen.
Grimes was born in Dublin and trained at the Abbey Theatre. He appeared on Coronation Street from 2008 to 2015 as Barry Connor, the father of Paul, Liam and Michelle, and he later returned for a wedding storyline in 2015. His career also spanned theatre and film, including time with the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and London’s West End, along with roles in other TV projects.
Fans and colleagues posted memories on social media as tributes poured in, underscoring a cross‑border career that touched Irish and British audiences alike.
Key Takeaways
"Ireland has lost one of its truly great actors"
ICC tribute language about Grimes
"Frank Grimes was a spell-binding actor who had the most beautiful voice"
ICC tribute on his craft and presence
"RIP Frank Grimes aka Corrie's Barry Connor"
social media tribute from fans
"We are blessed to have known him, to have worked with him, and seen him perform"
ICC message about his career and influence
Grimes’s career highlights how Irish actors have long shaped UK popular culture across TV, film and stage. The tribute from the Irish Cultural Centre signals how cultural memory is curated by institutions for a global Irish audience and a diaspora hungry for connection to the stage and screen.
In a media era driven by instant responses, the piece preserves a measured, respectful tone that centers on a long, varied career rather than a single moment. It also raises questions about how memorials are shaped after a life in both theatre and television, and how families and friends are represented in public remembrances.
Highlights
- Ireland has lost one of its truly great actors
- Frank Grimes was a spell-binding actor with a mesmerising voice
- RIP Frank Grimes aka Corrie's Barry Connor
- We are blessed to have known him and seen him perform
Public reaction risk around obituary coverage
The article deals with the death of a public figure and a surge of tributes on social media. Care should be taken to verify details and avoid sensationalism, while providing respectful context about his career and family.
The living keep the memory alive while the work continues to speak for him.
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