The death has occurred of actor, and long standing Equity member, Conor Evans. He died on Saturday May 25th after a long illness, borne with the strength and tenacity that was a trade mark of his lengthy and diverse career. He is survived by his wife, actress Claire Mullan and his daughters, Lesley-Ann, Michelle and Christine.
He was a familiar face, both on stage and screen, for five decades. Conor was a performer on whom actors and directors could depend. Thoughtful, solid characterisations were his metier and his strong features landed him more than 40 film and television Series, both in Ireland and England. His first major film credit was in The Face of Fu Manchu in 1965 starring Peter Sellers, then Rocket to the Moon and Darling Lily.
However, it was his extensive grounding in theatre that provided an almost unbroken run of appearances in Dublin and on national tours. He appeared at the Gate Theatre with Edwards and MacLiammoir in Where Stars Walk, Major Barbara, Equus, The Merchant of Venice, Ill Met by Moonlight, and Wait Until Dark, and was a constant doyen of Phyllis Ryan’s productions. His talents also graced many successive Dublin Theatre Festivals, particularly in the premieres of Hugh Leonard’s The Poker Session and Madigan’s Lock.
His voice first became familiar as Father Hession in the iconic radio series, The Kennedys of Castlerosse. This led to a long stint with the Radio Eireann Players and his vocal talents were then sought as a voice-over artist.
Appearances in TV’s Tolka Row, The Riordans and Wanderley Wagon spanned many episodes and television performances continued as recently as in Father Ted and the original Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Conor was a staunch union member and supported his colleagues and his profession with the same forthright dependability. He will be sadly missed by a huge fraternity of the theatre. There cannot be many established actors who have not worked with Conor such was his prolific and valued output.
May he rest in the peace that he has so richly deserved.
Laurence Foster.
Monday May 26th. 2014
