Latest news with #BorstalBoy
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'Coronation Street' star and stage actor Frank Grimes dies aged 78
Irish actor Frank Grimes, widely celebrated for his work across theatre, film, and television, has died at the age of 78 following a short illness. The Dublin-born performer passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, August 1, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from the Irish Cultural Centre (ICC) in London. Grimes was hailed as 'one of Ireland's greatest actors' by the ICC, which remembered him as warm-hearted and full of 'Dublin wit and charm.' The centre paid tribute to his remarkable career and presence, calling him a rare talent who brought unforgettable energy to the stage. Over his decades-long career, Grimes gained acclaim in both Ireland and the UK. He trained at Dublin's Abbey Theatre and appeared in numerous productions there between 1965 and 1972, performing works by iconic writers such as Sean O'Casey, J.M. Synge, Lady Gregory, and Shakespeare. One of his standout early roles was playing Brendan Behan in the 1967 world premiere of Borstal Boy, a production that later transferred to Broadway and earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor. In television, Grimes became known to UK audiences through his role as Barry Connor on Coronation Street, appearing in over 50 episodes between 2008 and 2015. He also appeared in Mrs Brown's Boys, A Bridge Too Far, Tulips of Harlem, The Outsider, and Blind Justice. Grimes was also a noted James Joyce enthusiast. His self-written performance, The He and the She of It… A Portrait of James Joyce, earned him standing ovations during multiple runs at the ICC. He is survived by his wife Ginnette, children Tilly and Andrew, and seven grandchildren. Tributes continue to pour in for the actor from across the theatre and film communities.
Irish Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Popular Fair City star opens up about tragic death of his father
Fair City star Tony Tormey has said losing his dad when he was a teenager "set" him back a lot as a youngster. Tony's father was tragically killed in a car crash in 1980 when the actor was just 16-years-old. The Dubliner – who plays Paul Brennan in the RTE One soap – said the accident completely changed the trajectory of his life and his outlook on life. The family, including his sister Barbara and mum Betty had spent their early years living on Dublin's Baggot Street and had moved to Finglas just before the accident happened. Having had ambitions to go to art college, Tony and his sister Barbara had to take up work after finishing school, with Tony getting a job in the pathology lab at St James's Hospital. "That was a big blow to us", he says looking back on that time. "That set me back a lot, in terms of talking to people; I really went into myself and not in a bad way but I guess back then it wasn't encouraged to talk about those things. Something like that happening takes you to a different place; you're carefree and then all of a sudden that's gone and it's always in the back of your head. 'It was a tough time, but it either makes you or breaks you. And also I found myself as the man of the house, I had to go out and start working,' he told the RTE Guide. After a few years of working at the hospital, he took what he describes as a "mad notion to give up the job and pursue acting." After seeing an advert, he enrolled in the Gaiety School of Acting, where he was encouraged by director Joe Dowling, who subsequently offered him a part in Borstal Boy. In 1989, Tony landed the role as Paul Brennan on Fair City and he said his mother Betty would pretend she didn't watch the soap. "She did but she'd pretend she didn't! But you'd hear from other people that she was proud, she just wouldn't say it to your face." His mother Betty sadly died last winter at the age of 92. He commends the team at St Francis's Hospice in Blanchardstown, where she spent the last six months of her life. "It was a tough time," he said. "We were up with her every day, but I have to say, the team there, they were absolutely brilliant, they made her feel like a queen. And they were great to us too. You find yourself as an orphan and that's hard, but what can you do, you have to get on with it,' he added.
