Trailer Park Boys star John Dunsworth, known as Mr. Lahey, dead at 71
By Mark Daniell, Postmedia Network
First posted: Monday, October 16, 2017 06:57 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 07:17 AM EDT
John Dunsworth, the actor who played Jim Lahey on “Trailer Park Boys,” has died at age 71.
The news was confirmed on Dunsworth’s official Twitter account with a message that was posted Monday night.
“With heavy and broken hearts the family of John F. Dunsworth would like to let people know that our amazing husband, father and grandfather John Dunsworth has passed away. John left this world peacefully after a short and unexpected illness.”
The family has asked for privacy at this time.
Lahey was a trailer park supervisor who was in a relationship with Randy. He was oftentimes drunk and battled Bubbles, Julian and Ricky. Some of his most famous catchphrases included, "Your s----goose is cooked" and "I am the liquor."
A post on the “Trailer Park Boys” Twitter page Monday evening said: "We're in shock and heartbroken by the sudden loss of our dear friend John Dunsworth. We respect the family's wishes for privacy at this time."
Bubbles, played by Mike Smith, tweeted, "I am beyond devastated. John was a beautiful guy. Brilliant and fascinating. I am forever grateful for having known him. RIP my friend."
Dunsworth, originally from Bridgewater, N.S., played Mr. Lahey on the Trailer Park Boys since the show began in 2001. He was also known for playing reporter Dave Teagues on the supernatural drama series, “Haven.”
In a 2010 interview with the Sarnia Observer, Dunsworth joked that he was nothing like his famed Trailer Park Boys character.
"I've been drunk maybe five times in my life but all by mistake. Why would anyone give up their equilibrium and fall over and puke on themselves? Why would anyone want to do that?"
Jonathan Torrens, who played J-Roc on the series, said on Twitter that “Dunsworth was all our father on set yet the biggest kid at heart” and that he was “curious, mischievous and spirited.”
Series co-star Lucy DeCoutere described Dunsworth on Twitter as a “word scrambler, craftsman, surrogate dad, mischievous and forever curious. He made me try harder, dig deeper,” she added.
Actor Bernard Robichaud, who portrays Cyrus on the show, called Dunsworth a Canadian icon.
“My theatre teacher, a loving father, husband, and a friend to many, you will be greatly missed,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Trailer Park Boys” director Mike Clattenburg said via Instagram that it is “sad news” to lose Dunsworth.
“His wild passion for acting was matched by his love of life and family. One of Canada’s greatest.”
Members of legendary Canadian rock band Rush, who appeared as guest stars on the show, posted a message on Twitter saying it was “heartbreaking” to hear of Dunsworth’s death.
“He was truly a great actor and sweet man — kind and considerate of all those around him.”
Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson added, “My sincere condolences to Sarah and family.”
American comedian Tom Arnold also expressed his sympathies, writing on Twitter: “So sad. RIP John Dunsworth. One of the finest men and most brilliant actors I’ve ever had the honour to work with.”
Fans were recalling some of his most notorious moments on the “Trailer Park Boys,” including when Mr. Lahey declared: “I am the liquor.”
Dunsworth was also known for playing reporter Dave Teagues on the supernatural drama series, “Haven.”
- With files from Canadian Press
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