Maureen Potter
Maria Philomena Potter (3 January 1925 – 7 April 2004), known as Maureen Potter, was an Irish singer, actress, comedienne and performer. Early lifePotter was born in Dublin and educated at St. Mary's school in Fairview.[2] She had a long career in Irish theatre, mainly as Ireland's première comedienne, but also as a straight actress.[3] She was a regular performer at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin and for many years starred in Christmas pantomime.[4] She became the first star to have a bronze cast of her handprints outside the theatre.[5] She married Jack O'Leary in 1959, an Irish army officer whom she had first met in 1943, and he wrote most of her comedic material.[4] CareerAmong Potter's many dramatic roles in the theatre was that of Maisie Madigan in Juno and the Paycock.[6] While still a teenager, she toured abroad before World War II as a singer and dancer with Jack Hylton (known as Jack Haylton and his orchestra).[7] On a tour of Germany, they once performed in front of Adolf Hitler and other Nazis.[8] In January 1938, Potter appeared on the BBC Television Service with Jack Hylton and his Band.[9] Film of her performance is held by the Alexandra Palace Television Society.[10] In 2001, the Archivist of the Alexandra Palace Television Society gave Potter a copy of her 1938 television appearance, and she recalled her memories:
Potter first appeared professionally with Jimmy O'Dea in pantomime and appeared frequently on television and in cabaret.[8] She played the role of Dante Riordan in Joseph Strick's film, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1977).[13] In the 1970s, Potter appeared alongside puppets in adverts for Jacob's Mikado, Kimberley and Coconut Cream biscuits, with the line "Someone you love would love some mum".[14][15] Later life and death
Potter was conferred with the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 1984, and was later awarded an honorary degree from Trinity College Dublin in 1988.[7] She died in her sleep at her home in Clontarf on 7 April 2004, at the age of 79.[8] She was survived by her husband, Jack O'Leary and her sons, John and Hugh.[7] Filmography
AdvertisingIn the late 1970s she advertised Jacob's biscuits. References
External links
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