Oscar-winning Irish actress Brenda Fricker has died at 81. She was best known for My Left Foot and Home Alone 2; she made history as the first Irish woman to win an Academy Award for acting. For the unversed, Brenda Fricker received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for her role as Daniel Day-Lewis’ on-screen mother in My Left Foot.
Brenda Fricker played the role of iconic “Pigeon Lady” in the 1992 film Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The film also stars Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern in key roles.
Brenda Fricker passes away at 81
Irish actress Brenda Fricker passed away at the age of 81. The news of her death has left fans and the film fraternity in mourning. In a statement reported by the BBC, Brenda Fricker’s agent Phil Belfield said, “We will never see her like again, and the world is lesser for the lack of her.” He added, “I was honoured to know, love and work with her, and she will always have a place in my heart and in the hearts of so many film and TV fans around the world (sic).”
US Ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh also paid tribute to Brenda Fricker on X, formerly Twitter. His post read, “Sad to hear of the passing of Brenda Fricker, a giant of Irish film and the first Irish actress ever to win an Academy Award for her unforgettable performance in My Left Foot. From Dublin to Hollywood, her work brought Ireland’s stories to the world and inspired generations on both sides of the Atlantic. She leaves a remarkable legacy, and I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who loved her (sic).”
Brenda Fricker’s acting journey
Brenda Fricker started her acting journey in theatre and television before landing a role in Coronation Street in 1977. She later appeared in David Hare’s television drama Licking Hitler in 1978. She was born on February 17, 1945, in Dublin, Ireland.
She also became a familiar face on the BBC’s long-running medical drama Casualty. After appearing in its debut episode in 1986, she remained with the series until 1990 and made several return appearances over the years.
Brenda Fricker’s known projects
Over the years, Brenda Fricker featured in several acclaimed shows and films. Her notable projects include My Left Foot, A Time to Kill, So I Married an Axe Murderer, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, among others.
She also featured in shows and films like A Time to Kill, Albert Nobbs, I Was a Rat, Seekers, Moll Flanders, Durango, Relative Strangers, Cupid & Cafe, No Tears, Conspiracy of Silence, Rory O’Shea Was Here, Stone of Destiny and others.
Also Read: Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill dies at 78, family says actor remained cancer-free
