Marie Kean | |
|---|---|
 in herone-woman show, Dublin, 1971 | |
| Born | (1918-06-27)27 June 1918 Rush, Ireland |
| Died | 30 December 1993(1993-12-30) (aged 75) Donnybrook, Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation | Actress |
Marie Kean (27 June 1918 – 29 December 1993) was an Irish stage and screen actress, with a career spanning over 40 years,[1]The Stage called her one of Ireland's most impressive actresses, and "an artist of considerable emotional depth and theatrical command."[2]
Kean grew up in the village ofRush,County Dublin, and was educated at Loreto College,North Great George's Street, Dublin. She learned her craft at theGaiety School of Acting and was part of theAbbey Theatre company until 1961.[3]
Kean's leading role as the kindly matriarch Mrs. Kennedy in theRadio Éireann serial dramaThe Kennedys of Castleross made her famous throughout Ireland. She starred in the programme for the duration of its 18-year run.[4]
In 1968, Kean won aJacob's Award for her performance as Winnie in RTÉ television's production ofSamuel Beckett's playHappy Days, a role she had performed on stage and which she described later as her favourite part.[5] Among her other television roles was that of Mrs. Conn Brickley, Bridget's mother, in an episode of theIrish RM titled "The Boat's Share".[6]
Kean's many stage appearances include performances in the plays ofSynge,O'Casey andFriel. She had the lead role of Maggie Polpin in the 1969 world première ofJohn B. Keane's playBig Maggie at theCork Opera House[7] In 1978 she won the State of New York best actress award for her performance in what has become Keane's most successful play.[8]
Arguably her most memorable film role was as Barry's scheming mother inStanley Kubrick'sBarry Lyndon.[1] She also played a bigoted Irish shopkeeper inDavid Lean'sRyan's Daughter.[6] Her final movie appearance was inJohn Huston'sThe Dead (1987), in which she played the part of Mrs. Malins.[9]
Marie Kean died inDonnybrook, Dublin at the age of 75. Her husband William Mulvey predeceased her in 1977.[10]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Jacqueline | Mrs. Flannagan | |
| 1958 | Rooney | Mrs. O'Flynn | |
| 1958 | Sally's Irish Rogue | Ellen Carey | |
| 1960 | A Terrible Beauty | Mrs. Matia Devlin (the publican) | |
| 1961 | The Big Gamble | Cynthia | |
| 1962 | The Quare Fellow | Mrs. O'Hara | |
| 1962 | Stork Talk | Mrs. Webster | |
| 1964 | Girl with Green Eyes | Josie Hannigan | |
| 1966 | I Was Happy Here | ||
| 1966 | Cul-de-sac | Marion Fairweather | |
| 1966 | The Fighting Prince of Donegal | Iníon Dubh | |
| 1968 | Great Catherine | Princess Dashkoff | |
| 1970 | Ryan's Daughter | Mrs. McCardle | |
| 1975 | Barry Lyndon | Belle, Barry's Mother | |
| 1982 | Angel | Mae | |
| 1987 | The Dead | Mrs. Malins | |
| 1987 | The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne | Mrs. Rice |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
