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Former Bosco presenter Frank Twomey has died

Updated / Monday, 11 Dec 2023 22:04
Frank Twomey on The Basement, 1992
Frank Twomey on The Basement, 1992

The Cork-born actor and television presenter Frank Twomey has died, his family have confirmed.

The TV personality was best known as a presenter on the Irish children's afternoon show Bosco, in which he appeared alongside the inquisitive puppet throughout the show's original 1980s run.

Paying tribute on X, formerly Twitter, Tánaiste Micheál Martin described Twomey as a "versatile and brilliant performer."

He wrote: "Very sorry to hear of the passing of Frank Twomey A proud Cork man, Frank brought joy to many across generations with his work on Bosco, Bull Island, Nighthawk & on stage. Renowned for his sharp wit & humour, he was a versatile & brilliant performer."

Frank Twomey and Bosco, 1987

Twomey appeared on the RTÉ comedy shows Bull Island, on which he did impressions of politicians including Mary O'Rourke, Willie O'Dea and David Trimble, and Nighthawks.

The stage veteran also had a long-time stint as a dame of The Everyman Theatre's annual Christmas pantomime in Cork.

In recent years, Twomey featured on the RTÉ Player advice show Agony OAPs alongside retired footballer Pat Spillane and retired politician Mary O'Rourke.

Frank Twomey appeared on the RTÉ Player series Agony OAPs

In a 2020 interview with RTÉ Lifestyle, Twomey spoke about how he had to be "careful" as an openly gay man while working on Bosco in the 1980s.

"They knew. I was freaked out about it because it was a different era. We're talking the '80s, and it had yet to be legalised, let alone same-sex marriage," he shared.

"...but it didn't stop me from being gay. It meant that I was careful and I was very discreet because I had a government job."

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One's Liveline, comedian Packie O'Callaghan described Twomey as a great friend and colleague, as well as a compassionate and generous person.

He said that he often found him funnier off stage rather than on stage, but on stage he was a generous actor who didn't seek the limelight or hog situations.

He added that he never left Twomey's company without a bounce in his step as he lit up any room and lifted any occasion.

"I will miss him so much, as a collaborator and friend".

He said that he took his craft seriously, whether this was film, radio, TV and on stage, pantomime and in more recent years, children's parties or Christmas events in Co Cork.

"Nobody played a woman as well as Frank".

Irish puppeteer Paula Lambert said she met Frank at the Bosco audition and remembered when he got the job how funny he was.

"He was one of the funniest people I've ever met in my life".

She said that he was very good at reinventing himself as a jobbing actor. She described it as tough, with lots of time spent waiting on your next gig.

She said that he treated Bosco like he was a little child, and had a wonderful relationship with that puppet adding that a wooden heart was broken today.

Tributes have also been paid to Twomey on social media following the news of his passing.

RTÉ Radio presenter Joe Duffy tweeted that he was "a brilliant actor, comic and dear friend".

The Everyman Theatre said Twomey was "a true Cork legend".

Reporter Robbie Kane said he had "good memories of working with him on Bull Island".

Radio presenter Neil Prendeville said he was "very sad" to hear of Twomey's passing, describing him as "a super actor, very underrated".

Michael McGrane said he was "such a funny man".

Tonie Walsh thanked Twomey for "so much fun, esp during dark times".

RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline will be paying tribute to Twomey on today's show.

Tributes have been paid to Cork-born actor and television presenter Frank Twomey who has tied today.

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