Tributes have poured in for legendary actor Frank Twomey who has died after a short illness.
Twomey was beloved for his work in programmes like Nighthawks, Bull Island and The Young Offenders.
His role in the classic 1980s children’s TV show, Bosco cemented Twomey in the hearts and minds of several generation of Irish people who grew up in the 80s and 90s.
More recently, Twomey featured on the advice show Agony OAP's alongside Pat Spillane and retired politician Mary O'Rourke.
Twomey’s RTE colleague Joe Duffy called him a “brilliant actor, comic and dear friend.”
We will be paying tribute on @rteliveline to the great Frank Twomey who unfortunately has passed away today. From Funny Friday, Bull island , and of course Bosco @rte @rtenews @thejournal_ie he was a brilliant actor comic and dear friend. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/fDWuTtjK0V
— JOE DUFFY (@joeliveline) December 11, 2023
His successful stage career included the hit comedy Santa Ponsa, its two successful sequels, and his role as the Dame in the Everyman’s pantomime in his native Cork.
The Everyman called him “a true Cork legend” in their tribute.
We are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Twomey. A true Cork legend, he appeared on our stage many times and will be fondly remembered as the much-loved dame in The Everyman and CADA’s Christmas Panto. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8mstd3i6hF
— The Everyman (@EverymanCork) December 11, 2023
Twomey also co-wrote and starred in the successful one-man show Alone At Last.
He said the show was “an ode to Bosco” and his recovery from it, referencing the fact that he was often known as “your man from Bosco,” and wondering if he could “close the magic door for good.”
The Cork actor appeared in a Dublin Bus Advert during Pride Month in 2019 adorned with rainbow face paint and waving Pride flags.
In a 2020 RTE interview, he reflected on his time in show business as a gay man during the 1980s, when homosexuality was still illegal.
He said there was "naked prejudice but it didn't stop me being gay," but he was "careful and discreet because I had a Government job”.
Neil Prendeville of Red FM paid tribute to his former panto co-star .
"Frank was a super actor, very underrated and had a wicked sense of humour," he said.
Very very sad to hear about the passing of Frank Twomey, my former Panto stablemate, this morning.
— Neil Prendeville (@NeilRedFM) December 11, 2023
Frank was a super actor, very underrated, and had a wicked sense of humor.
He came in to see me in studio a few years back.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis pic.twitter.com/rhnj2UcUfX
A minutes silence will be held by Cork City Council out of respect to Twomey and his impact on Cork and Irish culture.