- published: 14 Dec 2009
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Graham Linehan ( /ˈlɪnəhæn/; born 22 May 1968) is an Irish television writer, actor, comedian and director who, often in partnership with Arthur Mathews, has written or co-written a number of popular television comedies. He is most noted for his involvement in Father Ted, Black Books and The IT Crowd.
Linehan attended Plunkett's School in Whitehall, followed by Catholic University School, a Roman Catholic secondary school for boys located on the southside of central Dublin, before joining Hot Press. He also had a column with the magazine In Dublin before moving to London. Linehan's wife Helen is the sister of Peter Serafinowicz.
Linehan hooked up with Mathews, whom he had worked alongside at Irish Rock Music magazine Hot Press. In their early collaborations they were responsible for segments in many high profile sketch shows including Alas Smith and Jones, Harry Enfield and Chums, The All New Alexei Sayle Show and the Ted and Ralph characters in The Fast Show (the characters were created by Linehan and Mathews and played by Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse).