The veteran Irish star had enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, and acted opposite Michael Caine and Julie Walters in the 1983 film Educating Rita
Irish actor Des Nealon has died at the age of 90.
He starred opposite Michael Caine and Julie Walters as Invigilator in the Oscar-winning film Educating Rita in 1983 – and enjoyed a career on the stage and screen spanning more than six decades. Nealon died in a hospice on Sunday (June 21) – with no cause of death revealed at this time.
The news was confirmed by the Abbey Theatre, which he worked with for over 60 years. Alongside a series of images of the star, they wrote: “The Abbey Theatre is saddened to hear of the death of actor Des Nealon this week, a true gentlemen, gentle and generous in nature to all around him and ferociously good fun.
“An accomplished actor, his roles at the Abbey Theatre extend back to 1956 and continued to 2018, a 62 year history with the National Theatre… He was chameleon like, faultlessly moving between classic plays and new works, from mathematician to blind sightseer, peasant farmer to Scottish doctor, roman philosopher to stationmaster and more particularly clergymen of every denomination.
“Every part played effortlessly with that warmly resonant voice so fondly remembered by all. Des left us aged 90, leaving a lasting legacy.”
The also revealed a touching tribute to the star from actor Andrew Bennett, who lead a final ovation to Nealon after Monday night’s performance of the play The Whiteheaded Boy on the theatre’s stage. Nealon worked with some of Ireland’s most famous playwrights, such as Tom Murphy, Brian Friel and Marina Carr.
Among his notable later roles at the Abbey Theatre were Jack in Jimmy Murphy’s Brothers of the Brush (1993) Father Willow in Marina Carr’s By the Bog of Cats (2015).
Alongside Educating Rita, he appeared in films such as Roger Corman’s Von Richthofen and Brown (1971), Dead Bodies (2003) The Flag (2016), and Dark Lies The Island (2019). He also played the Archbishop in the 2011 short film Pentecost, which was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 84th Academy Awards.
He featured in TV shows such as The Tudors, Bachelors Walk, The Irish R.M., Love/Hate, Roy, Moone Boy, Red Rock and, more recently, The Dry.
Tributes have poured in for the star. The Tudors star Nick Dunning commented on the Abbey’s Instagram post: ” Go well Des you gorgeous smiley young one. Much love and hugs to Bernie. He will be much missed and definitely having fun somewhere – sweet dreams Des x.”
Kin star Rachel Dowling commented: “So sad to hear of the death of Des. He was a wonderful, generous actor and the best of fun. Rest in Peace dearest Des.”
A third person chimed in: “Very sorry to hear this. Beautiful and apt tribute. A wonderful actor and extremely kind man. Deepest sympathies to Bernie, Steve and Catherine and to all his wider family and dear friends. RIP x.”
Meanwhile a fourth shared: “A lovely man and fine actor. He will be much missed.”
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