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
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]
Television actor
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
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
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]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Stephenson, John-Paul (13 October 2012). "Interview: Brendan Healy". Giggle Beats. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ^ Brendan Healey Obituary at Chronicle Live. Retrieved 20 February 2016
- ^ 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. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
- ^ Writers: Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, Director: Roger Bamford (1983-11-25). "The Girls They Left Behind". Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. Episode 3. ITV.
{{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter|seriesno=ignored (|series-number=suggested) (help) - ^ "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.