Johnny Murphy “Joey the Lips”
2nd October, 1944 – 22nd February, 2016
Johnny Murphy, born in Dublin on 2nd October, 1944, was a well-known Irish actor with a career spanning 50 years. He lived on Benmadigan Road, Drimnagh. He attended Árdscoil Éanna school, (The Hen House) on Crumlin Road. He was raised in a working-class family and discovered his passion for acting through drama classes at St John Bosco Youth Centre, training with Abbey Actor, Finbarr Howard. His first acting role was at the Focus Theatre with Deirdre O’Connell, which led to his theatrical career of over fifty years. Despite his rise to fame he socialised close to home, in nearby Inchicore Workman’s Club.
Murphy gained recognition for his roles in theatre productions like “Waiting for Godot” at the Gate Theatre and “A Whistle in the Dark” at the Abbey Theatre. Johnny Murphy where he played the character Mush, in the acclaimed 1987 production of Tom Murphy’s play A Whistle in the Dark, staged by the Druid Theatre in association with the Abbey Theatre.
He also appeared in popular films such as
“Angela’s Ashes,” 1999
“War Of The Buttons” 1994
“Into The West.” 1992
Murphy was a familiar face on television, with appearances in series like “Remington Steele.” 1982. He passed away on 27th February, 2016 and his funeral ceremony took place in Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin. He was fondly remembered by his community and colleagues in the entertainment industry who placed a bench on Benmadigan Green opposite his home.
References:
- Internet Movie Database https://www.imdb.com/
- Alan Parker www.alanparker.com
- St John Bosco Youth Centre www.bosco.ie
- Abbey Theatre www.abbeytheatre.ie
- The Gate Theatre www.thegatetheatre.ie
- Britannica www.britannica.com