Pauline McLynn: Family, Marriage, and Life with Richard on Father Ted

  • maskobus
  • Aug 11, 2025

Pauline McLynn Joins the Cast of Coronation Street

Irish actress Pauline McLynn is set to join the cast of Coronation Street, marking a new chapter in her illustrious career. Known for her iconic role as Mrs Doyle in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted from 1995 to 1998, she has built a diverse and impressive portfolio of film and television work over the years.

In her latest role, she will portray Maggie, the overly involved mother of Ben O’Driscoll, the new pub landlord in the fictional town of Weatherfield. This exciting opportunity showcases her continued presence in British television and highlights her versatility as an actor.

A Life Beyond the Spotlight

Pauline is married to theatrical agent Richard Cook, and the couple has been together since 1997. Their story began at an art party where they first met after seeing each other around on multiple occasions. Pauline recalls that her husband’s sister was her agent for many years, which led to their initial encounters.

“I had seen Richard in the distance a number of times because his sister was my agent for many years, and still is indeed here in Dublin,” she said. “I opened an art exhibition that he was at and I thought, ‘Ah yeah, are you seeing anyone at the moment?’ And he went: ‘No.’ So I said, ‘Right well sure, we’ll give this a go from now.’”

She humorously added, “So basically, he had no choice in the matter. The poor fellow came around the right corner at the wrong time for me and now he’s stuck with me.” Their relationship has thrived despite not living together before marriage and often spending time apart due to work commitments.

“We never lived together before we were married and we often spend time apart now because of work,” she explained. “If you put all of the days that we’ve actually been with each other together in one place, I’d say we’ve been married for five years. It may sound strange, but look, it works for us.”

During the first lockdown, both were in Dublin and found that being together constantly worked well for them. “It was kind of like a honeymoon in a way!” she shared.

Family Background and Personal Achievements

Pauline grew up in Galway with her two younger brothers. Both of her parents have passed away, with her mother passing in 2022 and her father in 2006, following strokes. She spoke about her mother’s final days, highlighting the difficult decision to forgo treatment at her advanced age.

“My proudest achievement involves Father Ted and my dad,” she said. “He used to sell parts of cars around the West of Ireland. He loved Father Ted. When the show became a huge success, I used to get a load of signed photographs from the cast for him, and he’d bring them around and give them to fans in the accounts departments of various companies. And, he got paid quicker as a result — that’s my proudest achievement because I got to make his life a little bit easier.”

The couple does not have children, a choice that allows Pauline more time to focus on climate change activism. She told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “I can drive but I don’t. I don’t have any kids either, I’m trying to save the planet. I think during these mad times, we are having a chance to reset.”

Commitment to Activism

Pauline is deeply committed to various causes, including animal welfare. She is a patron of Little Hill Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Co Kildare and has spoken out against cruelty towards animals. In 2014, she led a campaign to knit jumpers for battery hens, raising awareness about their harsh living conditions.

“When they come out they are bald and it’s really cold so I’m knitting jumpers for them,” she explained. “Their beaks are clipped, they’ve never stretched their wings and their feathers haven’t grown because they’ve just been involved in laying eggs for their entire little lives.”

She has also been a vocal advocate against greyhound racing, using her platform to support ethical treatment of animals. Her dedication to these causes reflects her deep sense of responsibility and compassion.

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