Actress Slaine Kelly, best known for her role in the historical drama series The Tudors, has died at the age of 43. She passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, following a battle with cancer, her family confirmed in a notice on the obituary site RIP.ie.
Family and Friends Pay Tribute
The notice described Kelly as the beloved daughter of Marion and Joe Kelly, cherished mother of Knox, much-loved sister of Darragh, sister-in-law of Mags, and adored aunt of Eliza. It stated: "Slaine will be deeply missed by her parents, son, brother, sister-in-law, niece, her many cousins, extended family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. An actress, film producer, Slaine will be fondly remembered for her work, her spirit, and for helping to found St Anne’s City Farm."
While the notice did not specify the cause of death, a tribute from her friend, actor Paddy C Courtney, known for roles in George Gently and Shameless, revealed that her life was "stolen by cancer." Alongside a black-and-white photograph of the star, Courtney wrote: "This is just s***. Slaine Kelly will forever be remembered as an amazing woman, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, niece and friend to so many humans and animals alike. Her life was stolen by cancer, but her spirit of giddy curiosity and divilment will live on in all those who knew her. I was lucky enough to circle her orbit in many roles as pal, co-star and confidant. Thank you for the laughs. Rest well, gorgeous soul."
Outpouring of Grief on Social Media
Further tributes poured in as news of her death spread. Model and singer Michelle McGrath shared a series of images and wrote: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beautiful friend, Slaine. Magic, magnetic, and truly one of the most beautiful souls you could ever meet. Wherever she went, people were drawn to her, and everyone wanted to speak to her. She had this incredible aura and way of making every person feel seen, special, and at ease in her company. Warm, charismatic and endlessly fun. She was kind, loving, caring, and a ray of light to all that crossed her path. You are so deeply loved and so, so special, Slaine. Thank you for all the love, friendship, laughter, tears, and guidance you gave me throughout this life. Rest in peace, my dear friend, you're forever in my heart."
A third friend added: "Saddened to hear of the passing of Slaine Kelly. I had the pleasure of working with her on my film Jack's Hat many years ago, and later co-produced another short film in which she played the lead. She was a talented actress and always friendly, approachable and a pleasure to work with. My thoughts are with her family and friends. RIP." Another reflected: "Sad news this weekend on the untimely passing of actor and producer Slaine Kelly. She was a stalwart in the acting industry both here and in London. Her enthusiasm for the acting profession and film industry was boundless. Gone too soon. My condolences to her young son, family and friends across the world."
Career Highlights
Slaine Kelly played Jane Howard in The Tudors, a character who was an ex-lover of King Henry VIII and a cousin to his fifth wife, Catherine Howard. Other notable roles included playing Una Blake in the Prime Video show The O'Briens, which she also produced. She won acclaim for her role as Lucy in Rise of the Footsoldier II. However, for many people, she was famous for playing the lead in an iconic Barry's Tea commercial, filmed in Ireland and Thailand and directed by BAFTA-winning director Declan Lowney.
