Irish actor Frank Grimes, celebrated for his roles in Coronation Street and Mrs Brown's Boys, has left a substantial fortune to his beloved wife following his passing at the age of 78. The esteemed performer, who also earned a Tony Award nomination, died on 1 August 2025 after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. His death was confirmed by the Irish Cultural Centre in London, which honoured him as 'one of Ireland's greatest actors' in a heartfelt tribute.
Early Career and Broadway Success
Born in Cabra in 1947 as the youngest of seven children, Grimes gained early acclaim in the play Borstal Boy in Dublin. The production later transferred to London and Paris, and its success led to a Broadway run. There, Grimes secured a Tony nomination and the Most Promising Actor Award from New York critics, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Television Legacy and Personal Life
In later years, Grimes portrayed Barry Connor, the onscreen father of Kym Marsh's character, for seven years on ITV's iconic soap Coronation Street before departing in 2015. A grandfather of seven and a television favourite, he also appeared in series such as Casualty, The Bill, and Doctors, and performed on stage in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Grimes married his first wife, actress Michele Lohan, in 1968, with whom he had two sons, David and Andrew. Tragically, David passed away in 2011. After their divorce, he married Ginnette Clarke in 1984, and they later had a daughter, Tilly. Both Andrew and Tilly were named as executors of his estate.
Estate Details and Final Wishes
The actor's estate had a gross value of £387,326, with a net inheritance of £127,521 bequeathed to his second wife, Ginnette, after deductions. A grant of probate from the High Court of Justice confirmed these figures, stating that Francis Patrick Grimes of Barnes died on 1 August 2025.
His will, drafted in 2016, outlined his final wishes: 'I direct that all my debts and funeral and testamentary expenses be paid as soon as is convenient after my death. I leave my estate to my wife Ginnette Grimes.'
Tributes from the Irish Cultural Centre
Following his passing, a spokesperson for the Irish Cultural Centre paid a moving tribute, describing Grimes as 'so warm-hearted, full of Dublin wit and charm in abundance, and he had a beautiful sparkle in his eyes.' They highlighted his riveting self-penned production, 'the he and the she of it...A Portrait of James Joyce', which received standing ovations during performances in Dublin, London, and Paris.
The tribute concluded: 'We know that Ireland has lost one of its truly great actors, the vintage of which is so rare and may never ever be matched again. We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ginnette, his daughter Tilly, his son Andrew, his seven grandchildren, and all his extended family.'
