The Irish actor passed away on January 4th 2010
Irish film and theatre actor, Donal Donnelly best known on the big screen for his portrayal of Freddy Malins in James Joyce’s The Dead has died following a long illness. Donnelly was 78 years old.
Donal Donnelly was born in Bradford, England, but was raised in Dublin and attended Synge Street Christian Brothers School in Dublin. While at school Donnelly acted in plays with Milo O’Shea, Eamonn Andrews, Jack McGowran, Bernard Frawley (Seattle Repertory Co.) and Jimmy Fitzsimons (brother of Maureen O’Hara). Donnelly went on to have a successful career trading he boards in Dublin, London and the US.
As well as John Huston’s film version of The Dead, Donnelly played Archbishop Gilday in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather: Part III and played Mr Budd on one episode of the Orson Welles hosted TV show, Great Mysteries.
Donal Donnelly last appeared on screen in the TV show DDU as Father Brennan. Donnelly is survived by his wife, Patsy and two sons.
Click Play Below to view the trailer for ‘The Dead’