William Fay Explained

William George Fay (12 November 1872 – 27 October 1947) was an actor and theatre producer who was one of the co-founders of the Abbey Theatre.[1]

Fay was born in Dublin, where he attended Belvedere College. He worked for a time in the 1890s with a touring theatre company in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. When he returned to Dublin, he worked with his older brother Frank, staging productions in halls around the city. Finally, they formed W. G. Fay's Irish National Dramatic Company, focused on the development of Irish acting talent. The brothers participated in founding the Abbey Theatre and were largely responsible for evolving the Abbey style of acting.[2] After a falling-out with the Abbey directors in 1908, the brothers emigrated to the United States to work in theatre there.[3]

He moved to London in 1914, working as an actor on stage and in films.[4]

He played Johnnie, in the film, Spellbound (1941 film) . One of his most notable film roles was as Father Tom in Carol Reed's Belfast-set Odd Man Out (1947), whose cast was dense with actors from the Abbey Theatre.[5] His memoir, The Fays of the Abbey Theatre, appeared in 1935.[6] Willie Fay died in London in 1947, aged 74.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1933The Blarney Stone The Leader
1934General John Regan Golligher
1937Storm in a Teacup Michael Cassidy
1937The Last Curtain Milligan
1941Spring Meeting Johnny Mahoney
1941This Man Is Dangerous Mr. Eslick
1941Spellbound Johnny
1946London Town Mike
1947Odd Man Out Father Tom
1947Temptation Harbour Night Porter Uncredited
1948Oliver Twist Bookseller (final film role)

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Web site: How the Abbey theatre really began.
  2. The Genius of W. G. Fay. Gabriel. Fallon. 20 July 2018. The Irish Monthly. 75. 894. 505–508. 20515740.
  3. Web site: William Fay – Broadway Cast & Staff - IBDB. The Broadway. League. www.ibdb.com.
  4. Web site: W.G. Fay. https://web.archive.org/web/20170426082213/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba8ccbbb5. dead. 26 April 2017.
  5. Web site: BFI Screenonline: Odd Man Out (1947) Credits. www.screenonline.org.uk.
  6. Book: FAYS OF THE ABBEY THEATRE. W.G.FAY. CATHERINE CARSWELL. 20 July 2018. HARCOURT, BRACE AND COMPANY. Internet Archive.