The actor, comedian and writer on not laughing for two years, going to the wrong funeral and his pot belly
Born in Ireland, Ardal O’Hanlon, 56, won the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year in 1994, and from 1995 until 1998 starred as Father Dougal in the Bafta-winning comedy Father Ted. His other television work includes My Hero and Death in Paradise. His second novel, Brouhaha, has just been published. In November he continues to tour his live show, The Showing Off Must Go On. He is married with three children and lives in Ireland.
When were you happiest?
I have become progressively happier as I’ve got older. It’s to do with not striving as much.