Scottish actor Gerard Kelly dies

Actor Gerard Kelly has died at the age of 51 after suffering a brain aneurysm earlier this week.

Kelly died in intensive care on Thursday evening after collapsing at his home in London on Tuesday.

He came to fame in comedy City Lights and appeared in EastEnders and Brookside as well as other TV and film parts, most recently in Extras.

He also regularly starred in pantomime and was due to appear in The Rocky Horror Show in Glasgow next month.

His family and closest friends were with him when he died at West Middlesex University Hospital. A spokesman said he had died peacefully after a sudden illness.

Gerard Kelly (right) with George Michael and Ricky Gervais in Extras

Kelly was born in Glasgow in 1959 and appeared in a string of television roles which included Juliet Bravo, Rab C Nesbitt, Scotch and Wry and Hamish Macbeth along with his villainous portrayal of Callum Finnegan in Brookside and hardman Jimmy in Eastenders.

Last year, he celebrated his 20th year in pantomime at Glasgow’s Kings Theatre.

On the big screen, he played an angry priest in the Ken Loach film Ae Fond Kiss.

Kelly remains best known in Scotland for his starring role as hapless would-be author Willie Melvin in City Lights, but more recently he appeared in the Ricky Gervais comedy Extras as Bunny.

A statement issued by his family said: “Gerard will be deeply missed by his friends and family and indeed his huge fan base across his beloved Scotland and further afield.

Scottish Labour Party leader Iain Gray said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Gerard Kelly, who endeared himself to the Scottish public through his television and theatre performances.

Gerard Kelly

“Gerard Kelly also appeared in previous Labour Party election broadcasts and we are grateful for his generous contributions over the years.

“His contribution to Scotland’s cultural life will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.”

Gregor Fisher, who played Rab C Nesbitt, said: “He was a dear, sweet and funny man, and I shall miss him very much. Too soon as far as I’m concerned. Too, too soon.”

BBC Scotland director Ken MacQuarrie said: “Gerard will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.

“He appeared in many BBC Scotland radio and television productions over the years, and will be remembered not only for the range and quality of his performances but also for the warmth of his personality off air.