Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Pays Tribute to Brenda Fricker
Posted: 17th July 2026
The Board and Executive at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland have been deeply saddened to hear of Irish actress Brenda Fricker's passing. Ireland has lost an extraordinary artist and a treasured figure in Irish cinema.
Brenda's career spanned sixty years across theatre, film and television. In 1990, her powerhouse performance in Jim Sheridan's My Left Foot resulted in the first ever Academy Award win for an Irish actress. Over 30 years later, the Irish screen industry still feels the impact of Brenda's remarkable achievement.
Her most recent return to acting included The Swallow, The Miracle Club and TV series Holding - and throughout Brenda's body of work, her performances and indelible screen presence exemplified intelligence, grit, warmth and humour.
Brenda's trailblazing career remains an inspiration to Irish actors in particular, many of whom are still following in the footsteps of the path she forged. She also leaves behind a legacy for Irish audiences, who grew up alongside her work in Irish and international film alike. Brenda played a central role in the story of Irish cinema - and in the depiction of Irish life and culture on screen. The Irish screen industry is indebted to her contributions.
Our sympathies go to her family, friends and loved ones at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.