Popularly known for his roles at “The Avengers” and “The Saint”, Irish actor, Thomas Patrick McKenna, popularly known as “T.P. McKenna” died last Sunday, aged 81. Members of the actor’s family have made the announcement through his website following his death over the weekend.

"It is with the deepest regret that the family of the celebrated Irish actor, T.P. McKenna, announce his passing on Sunday evening at the Royal Free Hospital, London," the statement from his family was quoted by Reuters.

"Following a long period of illness he died quietly in his sleep,” it said, according to Reuters.

Quoting the Irish Times, Reuters noted that McKenna is survived by sons Rafe, Killian, Breffni and Stephen and his daughter Sally. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife, May at Mullagh, Ireland.

The statement also described how the actor was to his family. It stated “ As an actor he was unique, as a friend and colleague he was exceptional, as a father he was irreplaceable."

"He was an irascible old bugger, but I loved him," his son, Breffni told the newspaper, said Reuters.

McKenna was working as a banker when he discovered the art of acting. Reuters noted that when the actor was transferred to Dublin branch did he begin to be seriously involved in amateur dramatics. Not long after that, McKenna decided to take up acting that opened his curtain stage acting in Ireland and London.

The opening of the curtain onstage, said Reuters has opened other acting opportunities for television acting, including Dangerman (1965), Adam Adamant (1967) and The Sweeney (1975). He also appeared in The Avengers (1964, 1965, 1968), The Saint (1966, 1968), Jason King (1972), Blake's 7 (1978), Minder (1984) and Doctor Who (1989). Films he appeared on included "Ulysses" (1967), "Straw Dogs" (1971), and "A Portrait of the Artist As A Young Man" (1977).