Irish Actor Milo O’Shea Passes After Short Illness

The Dublin-born actor Milo O’Shea passed away on Tuesday, March 2nd after a short illness. He died in a New York Hospital, aged 86. An illustrious career took him from the back theatres of Ireland to the Hollywood set.

He is, perhaps, most fondly remembered for his role in Franco Zeffirelli's film, Romeo and Juliet, but many will recall his performances in the 1968 film Barbarella and his turn as Leopold Bloom in an adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses. "During his career in theatre and film, both at home and abroad, he is remembered for the quality of his performances in a range of challenging and often ground-breaking roles," Ireland's Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan said. "His portrayal of Leopold Bloom in Ulysses was a particular highlight of his film career, a role that many people recall when they think of him.” Mr Deenihan added: "I would like to express my deep condolences to his family, and to his many friends, at this time."

Aside from his film work, O’Shea appeared in several hit US TV shows, including Frasier and Cheers, and played a Chief Justice in The West Wing TV series. He also had a brief role in the Golden Girls in the 1980s. He moved to New York in the 1970s and lived there until his passing, and is survived by his wife, actress Kitty Sullivan, his two sons and three grandchildren.