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Albert Sharpe was born on 15 April 1885 in Belfast, Ireland [now Northern Ireland], UK. He was an actor, known for Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959), Royal Wedding (1951) and Brigadoon (1954). He was married to Margaret Waterson. He died on 13 February 1970 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

J.G. Devlin was born on 8 October 1907 in Belfast, Ireland [now Northern Ireland], UK. He was an actor, known for Far and Away (1992), Bread (1986) and Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959). He was married to Veen. He died on 17 October 1991 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

The distinctively white-haired, bushy-browed Northern Irish novelist, playwright and character actor, Joseph Tomelty was born the eldest of seven children in the small fishing village of Portaferry, County Down. He initially followed in his father's footsteps as a house painter. Early on, life on the stage might have seemed inconceivable because of a noticeable stutter. He thus began his working career employed as a painter at Belfast's Harland and Wolff Shipyards, also attending Belfast Technical College. After being inspired by a performance of "Juno and the Paycock" by the Abbey Theatre Company, he became involved with the St. Peter's Players in 1937, making his first mark on the stage. The following year, he wrote a comedic radio play ("Barnum is Right") and in 1940 became a founding member of the Belfast Group Theatre. While acting as the company's General Manager from 1942 to 1951, he later reflected that his tasks also routinely included those of "booking clerk, ticket collector, cloak room attendant, sweeper up, scene painter, programme seller, chucker out and actor" (Drama, March 1953).

In addition to eight plays (of which his "All Souls' Night", a play about greed, ambition and the effects of poverty, is regarded as a classic of Irish literature) and two novels, the versatile Tomelty wrote and acted in "The McCooey's", a weekly radio serial about working class life, broadcast by BBC Northern Ireland between 1948 and 1954. He also sidelined as a busy character actor in British and American films, including such prestige productions as Odd Man Out (1947), Hobson's Choice (1954), Moby Dick (1956) and A Night to Remember (1958). Tomelty's writing career came to an end after he sustained injuries in a car crash in England while filming Bhowani Junction (1956), though he continued to appear in occasional films until 1964 and remained a fixture in Northern Irish theatre.

One of twelve children, Jackie Wright started out as a body builder in the car trade, even working for a time in America upholstering Cadillacs. After the Depression he drifted back to his native Belfast and travelled the country as a music-hall trombonist and supporting comic. By the 1960s, Jackie had drifted into television work as an extra on shows such as Z Cars (1962), and it was in that capacity that he was discovered by Benny Hill who first had him on as a supporting player on his last BBC shows in 1968, and then after Hill moved to Thames where Jackie was a constant recipient of head tappings from Benny. In addition, Wright also appeared with such comics as Dick Emery and Jim Davidson, and on Frankie Howerd's short-lived Whoops Baghdad! (1973) as well as in the movie Three for All (1975). After Benny's show made it to U.S. syndication in 1979, Jackie became a cult favorite in the States, to such an extent that a fan club sprung up in America and 'the little bald guy' received offers to star in his own show. But after 1983, ill health forced him to leave the show, although previously unaired footage of him in sketches filmed in previous years was incorporated into new Benny Hill shows up to 1985. Wright died in his home in Belfast in 1989 after a long illness, but his legacy as one of the most famous stooges in British TV will live on for years to come.

Sean Caffrey briefly enjoyed film stardom in the 1960s and worked steadily in English Repertory theatre and on television. Following a short season with Bristol's Old Vic, he returned to Northern Ireland where he made his mark in Glen Patterson's short 'Monday Night Little Ireland, North of England', Bill Morrison's 'Drive On' and a stage adaptation of Brian Moore's 'The Feast of Lupercal'.

He became Artistic Director of the newly formed North Face Theatre Company, writing plays for the company. In 2000, he appeared in Gary Mitchell's West End production of 'Force of Change' and appeared in a Lyric Theatre production of John Bull's 'Other Island' (2004).

He also divided his time developing a business that included designing men's ties, along with his life partner Phil Thompson, on the Mediterranean island of Gozo.

Gerry Conlon was born on 1 March 1954 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was an actor and writer, known for In the Name of the Father (1993), Jig (2011) and Face (1997). He died on 21 June 2014 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Maire O'Neill was born on 12 January 1885 in Dublin, Ireland. She was an actress, known for A Christmas Carol (1951), The Fugitive (1939) and Love on the Dole (1941). She was married to Arthur Sinclair and G.H. Mair. She died on 2 November 1952 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Alex Higgins was one of the greatest, and most exuberant, snooker players of all-time. He won two World Championship titles, first in 1972 against John Spencer, and second in 1982 against Ray Reardon. In addition, he also won two Masters titles, in 1978 and 1981, and one UK Championship title in 1983. Victories in these three events make him one of only ten players to-date who have completed snooker's Triple Crown.

He was also the World Doubles champion in 1984, partnering his longtime friend Jimmy White, and he won the Snooker World Cup three times with the All-Ireland team in 1985, 1986 and 1987.

Alex was a heavy drinker and chain smoker, which affected his general health throughout his troubled career. His fantastic playing disappeared and he dropped down the world rankings, eventually retiring in 1997.

In his later years, he battled against against throat cancer and, although he became quite frail, he still managed to play in various exhibition matches. Alex died in his flat on July 24, 2010 by way of malnutrition and pneumonia.

Uncomplicated and gifted actor, who was already an established stage performer at the time of his death in 1998. In his comparatively short career he found work in all mediums, emerging first with the Lyric Players in two 1979 productions, as Peter Grant in John Boyd's 'Facing North' and playing multiple roles in Armand Gatti's political drama 'The Second Life of Tatenberg Camp'.

In 1980, again at the Lyric, he played Martin Boyle in Tommy McArdle's adaptation of Eugene McCabe's television play 'Heritage' and a year later made his film debut as Liam Doyle, in Pat Murphy's Belfast set 'Maeve', in a cast which also featured a young Brid Brennan. Now regarded a Lyric regular, he was better placed for more substantial parts and in 1982 took leading roles in Martin Lynch's 'The Interrogation of Ambrose Fogarty' and John Boyd's Wildean snapshot, 'Speranza's Boy'. 1982 also saw his first television appearance in the much lauded mini series 'Harrys Game', playing a peripheral character credited as Ardoyne Man, but had a co-starring role in his next small screen project, Mike Leigh's 'Four Days In July' 1984. In his second film, 'Life Force' 1985, he struggled to make the credit list and in the late eighties was working sporadically in theatre, he did however appear at the Kings Head London, in Christina Reid's award winning drama, 'Did You Hear the One About the Irishman...?' 1987.

His position improved in the late eighties, early nineties, with several film and television roles, most notably playing Sean Scanlon in the mini series 'Crossfire' 1988 and Det Sgt Hughes in Ken Loach's Cannes Film Festival award winning, 'Hidden Agenda' 1990. He was back on the Belfast stage in 1991 in the Lyric's production of Ron Hutchinson's 'Pygmies in the Ruins' and the same year had a decent role in the locally set television series 'So You Think You've Got Troubles', in a cast which included James Ellis, Harry Towb and Stella McCusker. At the Tricycle Theatre in 1993 he played Victor, in Bill Morrison's 'A Love Song For Ulster' and the following year took the role of Father Donnelly in Barry Devlin's BBC 'Screen Two', 1950s Ulster set comedy, 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. One of his last stage appearances was in the the Irish premiere of Sam Shepherd's 'Simpatico' presented at the Old Museum Arts Centre in 1997 and made a final bow on screen as Father Flynn, in the successful Irish comedy 'Divorcing Jack' 1998.

John Keegan, although a proven stage player, was not offered sufficient screen work to fully assess his capabilities, but he did in that limited window and in his relatively short life, reveal a glimpse of what otherwise might have been. Theatre

Other Theatre, Film and TV credits:

• Accidental Death of an Anarchist (1982) Lyric Theatre, Belfast
• Boyd's Shop (1984) Lyric Theatre, Belfast

• Ourselves Alone(1985) Royal Court Theatre, London
• Fanshen (1988) NT Cottesloe, London
• The Difficulty of Concentration (1991) Druid Theatre, Galway

• Henry VI: The Battle for the Throne(1994) RSC (tour)

TV

• A Casualty of War (1993)
• The Ambassador (1998)

Vincent Hanna was born on 9 August 1939 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was an actor, known for Blackadder the Third (1987), Bernard and the Genie (1991) and A Week in Politics (1982). He was married to Joan Fitt. He died on 22 July 1997 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Mark Mulholland was born in 1937 in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK. He was an actor, known for Far and Away (1992), City of Ember (2008) and The Boxer (1997). He died on 24 October 2007 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

J.J. Murphy was born on 7 May 1928 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He was an actor, known for Game of Thrones (2011), Cal (1984) and Angela's Ashes (1999). He was married to Mary. He died on 8 August 2014 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Doreen Hepburn was born on 29 January 1929 in Motherwell, Scotland, UK. She was an actress, known for The Playboys (1992), Silent Witness (1996) and The Borderers (1968). She died on 23 December 1997 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Julie Maxwell was born in 1983 in Northern Ireland, UK. She was an actress, known for Soft Border Patrol (2018) and Sketchy with Diarmuid Corr (2010). She was married to Rhodri Lewis. She died on 25 August 2019 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Ian Paisley was born on 6 April 1926 in Armagh, Northern Ireland, UK. He was married to Eileen Paisley. He died on 12 September 2014 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

David Hammond was born on 5 October 1928 in Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK. He was a producer and director, known for The Magic Fiddle (1991), The Story of Places (1993) and Witness: Another Kind of Freedom (1993). He was married to Eileen X. He died on 25 August 2008 in Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK.

Richard Hayward was born on 24 October 1892 in Southport, Lancashire, England, UK. He was an actor and writer, known for Irish and Proud of It (1938), Devil's Rock (1938) and Landslide (1937). He was married to Dorothy Elizabeth Gamble and Elma Hayward. He died on 13 October 1964 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Pamela Brighton was born on 22 October 1946 in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, UK. She was an actress and director, known for The Squeeze (1977), Days of Hope (1975) and Second City Firsts (1973). She was married to Guy Sprung and Phil Cohen. She died on 22 February 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Tom Hadaway was born on 18 March 1923 in North Shields, Northumberland, England, UK. He was a writer and actor, known for In Fading Light (1990), When the Boat Comes In (1976) and Second City Firsts (1973). He was married to Barbara. He died on 3 March 2005 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Arthur Sinclair was born on 3 August 1885 in Dublin, Ireland. He was an actor, known for King Solomon's Mines (1937), Sing As We Go! (1934) and Charing Cross Road (1936). He was married to Maire O'Neill. He died on 14 December 1951 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Brendan Hughes was born in 1948 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He died on 16 February 2008 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

James Young was born on 24 March 1914 in Ballymoney, Ireland [now Northern Ireland], UK. He was an actor, known for Kraft Theatre (1947), Schlitz Playhouse (1951) and Cavalcade of America (1952). He died on 24 July 1974 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Chris Ryder was born on 9 May 1947 in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK. He was a writer, known for Screenplay (1986), Spotlight (1973) and Dispatches (1987). He was married to Genny Belton and Anne Henry. He died on 2 October 2020 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Tom Dart was born on 14 April 1955 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He was an actor and director, known for Romantic Hideaway (2013), 50 Kisses (2014) and Standby (2014). He was married to Sheena. He died on 6 September 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Leila Webster was born on 9 October 1923 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. She was an actress, known for Ties of Blood (1985), The End of the World Man (1986) and Play for Today (1970). She was married to Tom Mercer. She died on 6 February 2014 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Betty Williams was born on 22 May 1943 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. She was married to James T. Perkins, James T Perkins, Ralph Williams and Ralph Williams. She died on 17 March 2020 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Barney Eastwood was born on 26 March 1932 in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, UK. He was married to Frances. He died on 9 March 2020 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Bap Kennedy was born on 17 June 1962 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He was married to Brenda Boyd. He died on 1 November 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Michael Longley was born on 27 July 1939 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He was married to Edna Longley. He died on 22 January 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Paddy Devlin was born on 8 March 1925 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He was married to Theresa Duffy. He died on 15 August 1999 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Keith Jeffery was born on 11 January 1952 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He was married to Sally Visick. He died on 12 February 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Christina Reid was born on 12 March 1942 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. She was a writer, known for Pie in the Sky (1994) and First Sight (1987). She was married to Richard Howard and Michael Reid. She died on 31 May 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Aaron O'Neill was born on 25 April 1988 in Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK. He is known for Lucky Man (2016), The Fall (2013) and Farr (2015). He died on 10 July 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Bridie Gallagher was born on 7 December 1924 in Creeslough, County Donegal, Ireland. She was married to George Livingstone. She died on 9 January 2012 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Helen Lewis was born on 22 June 1916 in Trautenau, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary [now Trutnov, Czech Republic]. She is known for Seeing and Believing (1960). She was married to Harry Lewis and Paul Hermann. She died on 31 December 2009 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Trevor Campbell was married to Lynda Jayne. He died on 20 November 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Greg Lyttle died on 12 November 2009 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Martin Vance was born in 1925 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He died in July 2010 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Kim Lenaghan is known for Creature Comforts (2003). Kim was married to Andrew Jones. Kim died on 11 September 2022 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Joe Cahill was an actor, known for Sitting Target (1972), The Great Train Robbery (1978) and The Violent Enemy (1967). He died on 23 July 2004 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Padraic Fiacc was born on 15 April 1924 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He was married to Nancy Wayne. He died on 21 January 2019 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

James White was born on 7 April 1928 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. James was married to Margaret Sarah Martin. James died on 23 August 1999 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Jim Aiken was born on 4 October 1932 in Jonesboro, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, UK. He died on 27 February 2007 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Billy Simpson was born on 12 December 1929 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He died on 27 January 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Des Wilson was born on 8 July 1925 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He died on 5 November 2019 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Bill McConnell was born in 1924 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He died on 6 December 2018 in Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Christopher Stalford was born on 17 January 1983 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. He died on 19 February 2022 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.