Brendan Healy (comedian)
Brendan Healy | |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 December 1956 |
| Died | 18 February 2016 (aged 59) |
| Occupation | Entertainer |
| Website | brendanhealy |
Brendan Healy (18 December 1956 – 18 February 2016) was a British entertainer from North East England. Beginning as a musician (on keyboards and occasional trombone), he worked in television, becoming an actor, theatre writer and producer, and, later, a comedian.[1]
Early life and career[edit]
Healy attended St Cuthbert's Grammar School in Newcastle upon Tyne and then enrolled on a music course at the College of Arts and Technology. He worked as a musician while studying and was then a member of a touring theatre group and the Second City Theatre Company.[2] He played keyboards on the children's television series Razzamatazz, and toured as a musician with several acts,[3] including John Miles and Goldie and folk rock group Lindisfarne in the 1990s.[4][5] He also wrote television signature music for Tyne Tees Television.[1]
He was musical director with Ken Hill at the Newcastle Playhouse, establishing the first Narnia books performed on stage.
Television actor[edit]
As an actor, Healy appeared in several television programmes, including the Catherine Cookson adaptation, The Black Velvet Gown, Badger, Boon, Spender, and Quayside. As a supporter of Sunderland his ‘character Andy’ antagonised Newcastle United-supporter Oz in an episode of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.[6]
Stand up comedy[edit]
Healy also embarked upon a career as a stand-up comic.[4] He released a solo-DVD, Tall Stories, in 2005, recorded at The Customs House, South Shields.[7] As part of his Little Theatre Tour, he played several venues in the North East in 2012.[1]
Writer and producer[edit]
He produced the annual pantomime at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle, usually also writing and performing in the show.[1][8] He has written a musical with Brian Johnson, from rock band AC/DC, with a script by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, called Face of a Woman, based on Helen of Troy.[1]
Healy performed at all of the Sunday for Sammy concerts, established to support new talent in North East England.[1][3]
Healy died on the evening of 18 February 2016, following a long period with cancer.[9]
Personal life[edit]
Brendan is a father of four with Jeanette his first wife; Jack Charlotte, Fin, Sam. He was married until his death to Stephanie Constable.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f Stephenson, John-Paul (13 October 2012). "Interview: Brendan Healy". Giggle Beats. Archived from the original on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ Barr, Gordon (19 February 2016). "Brendan Healy obituary: We look back at the North East comedian's long and successful career". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b Davies, Katie (23 December 2011). "Brendan Healy takes kids to meet panto cast". Evening Chronicle. Newcastle upon Tyne. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ a b Barr, Gordon (8 August 2007). "Bren's back for solo gig". Evening Chronicle. Newcastle upon Tyne. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ "Goldie". BBC Music. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
- ^ Writers: Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, Director: Roger Bamford (25 November 1983). "The Girls They Left Behind". Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. Series 1. Episode 3. ITV.
- ^ "BRENDAN HEALY - TALL STORIES". MWM. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ Weatherall, Robert (24 December 2010). "Comic Brendan Healy rescues panto show". Evening Chronicle. Newcastle upon Tyne. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ "Geordie comedian Brendan Healy dies of cancer aged 59". BBC News. 19 February 2016. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
External links[edit]
| Authority control databases: Artists |
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- 1956 births
- 2016 deaths
- Male actors from Newcastle upon Tyne
- English male television actors
- English male comedians
- English keyboardists
- People educated at St. Cuthbert's School
- Deaths from cancer in England
- 20th-century English male actors
- 20th-century English musicians
- 21st-century English musicians
- Comedians from Tyne and Wear