Ardal: People think I’m thick like Fr Dougal Comic laughs off public’s opinion
ARDAL O’hanlon has claimed some people believe he is just as thick as his Father Ted character.
The Monaghan actor, 53, also joked his family would have preferred he became an “armed robber” than a stand-up comedian.
O’hanlon, best-known for his role as Fr Dougal Mcguire in the legendary sitcom, said the show is as relevant today as ever.
He told Good Morning Britain: “It crops up most days. They genuinely think I’m stupid, that would be the main thing.
“Someone stopped my wife on the street just a few weeks ago and asked her, a genuine enquiry, ‘Is he as stupid in real life?’
“The worst thing is I was standing right behind her, like she was my carer.
“I think people continue to discover it, very young kids discover it. It’s referenced almost every day, in parliament if anyone does anything stupid it’s, ‘Oh that’s like something out of Father Ted’.”
The comedian also joked his career in stand-up was a far cry from his modest upbringing and one that his parents may not have approved of.
He added: “It’s the worst thing, you’re not supposed to draw attention to yourself at all.
“I remember when I was about eight my mother made spaghetti bolognese for the family and she told me not to tell anyone in case they thought we were
showing off.”