'Father Ted' star Brendan Grace has died aged 68

Comedian and Father Ted star Brendan Grace has died aged 68.

The veteran comic and actor - who was much loved as a stand-up in his homeland of Ireland - played Father Stack in the hit sitcom.

His booking agent Tom Kelly told RTÉ Radio One: "Brendan Grace was one of the greatest entertainers of this era, no doubt about that. He gave a performance every night that merited the applause he received."

He added: "We can look back with pride on Brendan’s lifetime. He was a great family man, very close with them and he was adored by his fans all over the world."

Last week Grace cancelled his summer tour revealing he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and was being treated for pneumonia.

His spokesperson said at the time: "Brendan Grace has been in hospital for the last four weeks receiving treatment for pneumonia.

Read more: 'Father Ted' star Brendan Grace diagnosed with lung cancer

"It has now transpired that he is also suffering from cancer for which he is receiving ongoing care and treatment.

"His family are a great support to him at this difficult time and respect for their privacy would be much appreciated."

Born in Dublin, Grace began his career in entertainment as a singer but later turned to comedy. His most famous acting role was in Father Ted, but he also had a successful stand-up career in both the US and Ireland.

Grace performed for Frank Sinatra when the Ratpack star had been touring Ireland Liza Minnelli and Sammy Davis Junior and requested to hear an Irish comedian.

Kelly said: "Sinatra fell around the place laughing at him. He then went on to perform with Sinatra in London and in America."

Brendan Grace is survived by his wife Eileen, children and grandchildren.

Comedian Jason Byrne was among those to pay tribute to Grace.

He tweeted: “Woke up in Sweden to find out Brendan Grace has passed away, what a lovely, funny genius of a man, I hate that he's gone...... May he free nippers in peace wherever he's gone, so sad Brendan, just so sad.”