Lydon starred in hit movies such as The Banshees of Inisherin, Brooklyn and The Guard, television shows such as The Clinic, Pure Mule and Love/Hate and was also a theatre star
Irish actor Gary Lydon(Image: Collins)
Award-winning Irish actor Gary Lydon has died at the age of 61.
A star of theatre, television and film, Lydon’s work is well known to audiences at home and abroad thanks to starring roles in films such as Brooklyn, The Guard and Cavalry.
On TV, Lydon appeared in Pure Mule, Love/Hate and The Clinic, for which he won an IFTA for Best Supporting Actor.
In recent years, Lydon was best known for his role in Oscar nominated film The Banshees of Inisherin.
He starred alongside Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon playing the role of the cruel garda and abusive father of troubled young man Dominic Kearney, played by Barry Keoghan.
Lydon was also highly regarded for his creative partnership with Wexford writer Billy Roche, with the pair working together for over 40 years.
Tributes have been pouring in following the news of Lydon’s death, with many people expressing their shock and sadness.
A message shared on Wexford Arts Centre’s Facebook page said: “We are deeply shocked & saddened to hear of the sudden loss of renowned & beloved Wexford actor Gary Lydon.
“Gary had only recently returned to our stage as the magnificent Phil in the terrific production of Of Mornington by Billy Roche, directed by Pete McCamley of Ad Personam Cultural Events who also co-produced the production with Gary Lydon Productions.
“Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche’s plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland & the UK.
“However, he will be remembered by us most fondly for his mesmerizing performances on the arts centre stage in productions of The Boker Poker Club (A Handful of Stars), One is not a Number, Lay Me Down Softly A Handful of Stars revival by Four Rivers Theatre and most recently as Phil in Of Mornington, the role he most wished to play & he embodied to perfection.
“Recently, Gary had commented on how he had enjoyed playing Phil immensely and we had been in discussion with hopes of bringing the Of Mornington production across the water to the US.
“We can only take comfort in the fact that Gary got to play the role of Phil that he always wanted to perform, a deeply flawed, down-on-his-luck former celebrity snooker player filled with bitterness & resentment who gradually redeems himself by the end of the play, revealing true empathy and compassion. Gary embraced these characters so finely written by Billy Roche with passion.
“Though heartbreaking, it is fitting that his final role on our stage was performed alongside his son James Doherty O’Brien in a terrific performance as Mike, the young vulnerable snooker player with a suspect past.
“The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence. Deepest sympathies to his family, friends, stage & screen colleagues & to Billy Roche, his creative alliance collaborator for over forty years. May you be layed down softly Gary. May you rest in peace.”
Lydon, who lived in Roscommon, is survived by his wife Kara and two sons Sean Luke and James.
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