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Cold Feet star James Nesbitt pays tribute after death of 91-year-old father

Danny Thompson
·Contributor
Updated ·2-min read
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: James Nesbitt joins Patron of Centrepoint, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, young people supported by Centrepoint, and the charity's staff, ambassadors and supporters to mark the charity's 50 years of tackling youth homelessness, at The Roundhouse on November 13, 2019 in London, England. Duran Duran, Rita Ora and Hussain Manawer all performed at the gala. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Centrepoint)
James Nesbitt joins Patron of Centrepoint, at The Roundhouse on November 13, 2019 in London. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Centrepoint)

Cold Feet actor James Nesbitt has paid a touching tribute to his father James Nesbitt Snr who has died at the age of 91.

The actor revealed his dad, a retired school headmaster, had died in a statement released on Friday (14 August).

The 55-year-old described his father as a "wonderful parent" and a "brilliant teacher" as well as speaking of fond memories they shared.

The statement read: “Dad wasn’t only a wonderful parent, he was my inspirational teacher and a good friend.

Read more: James Nesbitt to star in new Northern Irish crime drama

“Generations of primary school children in rural Northern Ireland were taught a love of literature, arts, music, science and sport thanks to dad.

“As well as being a brilliant teacher he was a passionate Coleraine football fan.

“One of my most cherished memories is of being with him to watch Coleraine lift the Irish Cup two years ago at which dad was presented with Skinner Bradley’s winning medal.

British Comedy Awards. Pictured, some of the cast of Cold Feet which won the award for Best TV comedy-drama. Pictured left to right, James Nesbitt, John Thomson, Hermione Norris and Robert Bathurst, 18th December 1999. (Photo by Fisher/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)
Pictured left to right, Cold Feet stars James Nesbitt, John Thomson, Hermione Norris and Robert Bathurst, 18th December 1999. (Photo by Fisher/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

“He leaves behind a family who will miss him more than words can say and I speak for myself, and my sisters Margaret, Kathryn and Andrea, when I say that he was a truly great man, and a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather.”

Coleraine FC also paid tribute to James Snr.

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Chairman Colin McKendry said: "James got to know the players personally and travelled on the team bus to many of our big matches, including the Irish Cup win in 2018.

"Unfortunately he wasn't able to go to many matches recently due to ill health but I'm sure he would have been proud of our efforts last season. Not only was James a fantastic supporter, but he was also a great sponsor and we are indebted to him."

Though best known for playing Cold Feet character Adam, Nesbitt also appeared in the Hobbit trilogy, and was the lead role in Stan Lee’s Lucky Man.