‘Above all, she was genuinely authentic’: Tributes to the late Brenda Fricker
Renowned Irish actress Brenda Fricker, the first Irish woman to win an Academy Award for acting, has passed away at age 81. Tributes from political and creative figures highlight her authenticity and impact on the Irish film industry.
Why it matters
Fricker was a cultural icon whose career helped revitalize the Irish film sector and provided inspiration for many in the arts.
“I’m not only honoured, I’m speechless. I’m excited at the very thought of you nominating me for this honour, and of course I say: yes, yes, yes”.
That was Brenda Fricker ’s response when the former lord mayor of Dublin texted her in February, informing her that she will take her place among Ireland’s creative masters – U2 and George Bernard Shaw, to name just two – in receiving the Freedom of the City.
Fricker, the first Irish woman to win an Academy Award for acting and who was best known for her performance as the mother of a boy with cerebral palsy in My Left Foot, has died aged 81 .
She has been hailed as “a national treasure” and “an iconic figure in Irish film and theatre.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in