Tributes have been paid to award-winning Irish actor Frank Grimes, who has passed away at the age of 78.

Grimes, who was known for roles in the ITV soap Coronation Street and the star-studded, BAFTA-winning drama A Bridge Too Far, passed away in the early hours of Friday morning (August 1) after a very short illness, surrounded by his wife and family.

Frank Grimes (right) pictured alongside Irish actor Michael Gambon

The acclaimed actor’s death was announced by The Irish Cultural Centre, who paid tribute to the esteemed star of stage and screen.

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“Frank was undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest actors, he was a dearly loved friend of the ICC’s and over the past three decades, he trod the ICC’s stage on so many occasions,” the ICC said in a statement.

“Anyone who saw Frank perform his riveting self-penned production ‘the he and the she of it…’ A Portrait of James Joyce”, will know what a thrilling, powerful, unforgettable performance it was!

“Frank performed this superb tribute to his hero James Joyce, on whom he was an expert, three times at the ICC, and each time, every night he received standing ovations!

“Frank was a spell-binding actor who had the most beautiful mesmerising voice and he often appeared on the radio show ‘Bright Side Of The Road’.

Grimes pictured alongside actress Sue Cleaver in Coronation Street

“Frank was so warm hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes.

“We know that Ireland has lost one of it’s truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again.

“We are so sad to have to say goodbye to Frank, but we are also so blessed to have known him, to have worked with him and seen him perform.

“We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly and her husband Andrew and to Frank’s beautiful Grandson. We also send our condolences to all of Frank’s friends and loved ones – May Frank sleep easy now and Rest In Peace.”

Born in Cabra in north Dublin in 1947 and the youngest of seven children, Grimes’ passion for theatre was inspired by a teacher who loved Shakespeare. He went on to train at the Abbey School of Acting and was a member of the Abbey Players.

Frank Grimes as Barry Connor in the ITV soap Coronation Street

The budding actor gained early notice for his performance as Brendan Behan in Borstal Boy at the Abbey in Dublin, Paris and on Broadway, where he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor and was voted ‘Most Promising Actor’ by the New York critics.

A veteran of the stage, Grimes performed at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and in London’s West End over the course of his career.

Alongside his many roles on stage, Grimes’ career included a number of film and TV credits such as A Bridge Too Far, War of the Buttons and The Outsider, as well as Kavanagh QC, Mrs Brown’s Boys and the RTÉ drama series, Strumpet City.

In 2008, Grimes made his first appearance as Barry Connor in the ITV soap Coronation Street, and the actor would go on to appear in more than 50 episodes of the long-running drama before exiting the show in 2015.

The Abbey Theatre in Dublin was among those to pay tribute to the acclaimed actor following the news of his death.

“The Abbey Theatre is saddened to learn of the passing of actor, Frank Grimes,” a spokesperson said in a message shared on social media.

“A versatile actor, Frank performed in various productions on both the Abbey and Peaock stages from 1965 to 1972, including plays by Sean O’Casey, Lady Gregory, Oliver Goldsmith, Thomas Kilroy, J.M. Synge, William Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw and Tom MacIntyre.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”