Donal Donnelly (6 July 1931 – 4 January 2010)[1] was an Irish theatre and film actor. Perhaps best known for his work in the plays of Brian Friel,[2] he had a long and varied career in film, on television and in the theatre. He lived in Ireland, the UK and the US at various times, and his travels led him to describe himself as "an itinerant Irish actor".[2]
Early life
Donal Donnelly was born to Irish parents in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. His father James was a doctor from County Tyrone, and his mother Nora O'Connor was a teacher from County Kerry.[3]
Donnelly got his start in an amateur group calling itself the Globe theatre Players. It was organised and run by Jim Fitzgerald and Monica Brophy. He then later toured with Anew McMaster's Irish repertory company before moving to England where he starred with Rita Tushingham in the film The Knack ...and How to Get It.
For many years, he toured a one-man performance of the writings of George Bernard Shaw, adapted and directed by Michael Voysey and entitled My Astonishing Self.
In 1968, he recorded an album of Irish songs Take the Name of Donnelly, which was arranged, produced and conducted by Tony Meehan formerly of the Shadows.
Death
He died in Chicago, Illinois, on 4 January 2010 from cancer,[4] aged 78, and is survived by his wife, Patricia 'Patsy' Porter – a former dancer he met working on Finian's Rainbow,[2] and two sons, Jonathan and Damian.[1][5] His daughter Maryanne predeceased him.[6]