Tributes to Tony Doyle

The following tributes were paid to the actor Tony Doyle, who died today January 28.

Peter Salmon, Controller, BBC ONE said:
"For the last 5 years Tony Doyle was one of the brightest stars of Ballykissangel. The cast, crew and the millions of Ballyk fans - who took him firmly to their hearts - have lost a dear and charming friend.

He brought real substance and warmth to everything he did. His performance on the BBC TWO drama Amongst Women was singled out as one of the best of the year. We were about to embark on a new adventure with him with a major new BBC ONE drama called McCready and Daughter, and it is extremely sad that he will now not be part of it.

"Tony Doyle was arguably the best actor of his generation to come out of Ireland.
Our hearts go out to his family and to his many friends in the business."

Pat Loughrey, Controller BBC Northern Ireland, said:
"Tony Doyle's professionalism and warmth of character were the driving forces behind some of BBC Northern Ireland's greatest successes.

"To say that he will be sorely missed is to seriously understate our sense of loss. On behalf of everyone in BBC Northern Ireland I would like to express most sincere condolences to Tony’s family and friends."

Robert Cooper, Head of Drama, BBC Northern Ireland, said:
"Tony's strength as an actor came from his qualities as a man. He had a natural authority, warmth, humour and intelligence that shone through the roles he played, from the wily Quigley in BALLYKISSANGEL to the tortured Michael Moran in AMONGST WOMEN. His presence on a set assured stability and integrity. Above all, his friendship was hugely valued."

"Tony was equally convincing as an IRA man and an RUC chief" said Ballykissangel co-star Niall Toibin. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme. "He was a rock and we will all miss him."

Tony Garnett, Executive Producer, World Productions (the producers of BALLYKISSANGEL):

"Tony Doyle’s death takes from us the most consummate professional of actors, loved by the public for subtlety, authority, and tart comedy timing. He was held in the greatest respect by colleagues for his impeccable professional manners. His death is wretchedly premature. He will live on as an example to younger actors."

Kieran Prendiville, creator of BALLYKISSANGEL said:

"I doubt there is a writer whose work wasn’t enhanced by Tony Doyle’s involvement. He was the most intelligent of actors, extraordinarily sensitive. He had talent to burn. But I remember most a kind and thoughtful man, generous in a hundred different ways; he made me laugh a lot, and in his company I felt glad to be alive."

Speaking on Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme, Kieran described Tony as a "Likable man, kind and thoughtful and generous in a hundred different ways". Listen to what else Kieran had to say about Tony Doyle.

Frankie McCafferty, who plays Donal in BALLYKISSANGEL spoke to Mark Carruthers on Evening Extra on the day of Tony's death.
He describes Tony as " thoroughly professional, so concentrated on set and knew the craft of TV and Film acting better than anyone." Listen to Frankie speaking about Tony.