Tributes paid after sudden death of beloved Fair City and Commitments star

Tributes are being paid this week after the sudden death of beloved Fair City actress Annie Kent.

The Dublin native died suddenly on Tuesday, sparking an outpouring of grief from friends, family and fellow actors. Annie played Angela O'Connell on RTE soap Fair City for 11 years from 2005 to 2016.

She will also be well known to viewers from her role as Mrs Rabbitte in The Commitments. She has also starred in The General alongside Brendan Gleeson, as well as hit movie adaption PS I Love You. 

Her other credits include Coronation Street, Red Rock, Holding and most recently in Baz Ashmawy's series Faithless which was screened on Virgin Media television recently.

Annie Kent died suddenly at Beaumont Hospital surrounded by her loving family. As well as being an actress, she was the "beloved wife of Pierce H and mother of Pierce T and Jayne," her RIP.ie notice states.

The late Annie Kent

"Adored loving Nana of Hannah, Aimee, Lucie, and Alice and sadly missed by her daughter-in-law Jenny, son-in-law Greg and her surviving brothers and sisters Terry, Jane and Charlie and sister-in-law Trish her nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends," it continues.

Friends, family and fellow actors have been paying tributes this week. Father Ted star Pauline McGlynn said: "Annie was one of the most beautiful souls and most talented people I ever met or worked with - we laughed a LOT making Holding in West Cork and that's how I will always remember her. All solace and condolence to you now x."

fellow fair City actress Fair City star Stephanie Kelly, who plays Sash Bishop, posted: "Sad to hear the news of Annie passing. Such a lovely lady. Thinking of all her loved ones. Rest in peace."

Executive Director of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Mark O'Brien, said: "I am gutted to hear that the wonderful Annie Kent has passed away. One of the finest people and actresses. I had the great pleasure of working with her many times over the years. A lady and a star. Sending love to Pierce, all her family, friends & colleagues."

One tribute on RIP.ie read: "Deepest condolences to Pierce, Jayne and Pierce. I was so very saddened to hear this news. I had the privilege of spending time with Annie working on Coleman in London and Bath, and I will never, ever forget her kindness, warmth, generosity, and the fun we had, on and off stage. Annie was a wonderful person and a brilliant Actress, adored by us all. May she rest in peace."

Annie's funeral took place on Friday.