Lyric News
Theatre legend Maureen Potter dies
Wednesday 7 April 2004
She is survived by her husband Jack and sons, John and Hugh.
Maureen Potter was loved by generations of theatregoers.
Born in 1925 and a fifth generation Dubliner, she was christened Maria Philomena, but was always called by her preferred name, Maureen.
Her first professional engagement was at the age of seven and she went on to distinguish herself as a comedienne and as an outstanding actress in plays by O'Casey, Shaw, Sheridan and Beckett.
As a child impressionist and dancer before the Second World War, she toured overseas with the Jack Hilton orchestra and would later recall with distaste performing before Hitler and the other Nazi leaders on a trip to Germany.
The humour of her native city was reflected in decades of pantomime and the 'Gaels of Laughter' shows.
Her first role with Jimmy O'Dea was in 1935, and their association continued until his death 30 years later.
Trinity College Dublin honoured Maureen Potter with a doctorate; Dublin bestowed its freedom on her and in 1999, President McAleese was among the distinguished guests at a special tribute night for her.
In 2001, she became the first star to place her handprints in the walk of fame outside her beloved Gaiety Theatre.
On RTÉ Radio One's 'The News at One', Maureen Potter's colleague and friend, Adele King, also known as Twink, said her death marked the passing of a legend.
The actress Rosalyn Linehan said Maureen Potter was the most talented person she had ever worked with.
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