Source: Independent.ie He was a regular at the Galway International Arts Festival
As news broke this morning that John Mahoney, best known for his iconic role as Martin Crane in the famous NBC sitcom 'Fraiser' had passed away aged 77, kind tributes began flowing in.
Many spoke of his genuine character and kind persona.
John Mahoney was 37 when he started acting.
Thirty-seven.
Go do that thing you’re thinking about. #RIP— John Ross Bowie (@JohnRossBowie) February 6, 2018
While fans of his career tweeted their respects
Frasier fans around the world sighing a quiet “noooo” today pic.twitter.com/FRaq6Tw0u4
— Omid Djalili (@omid9) February 6, 2018
His loss was also felt closer to home too.
Mahoney actually held many Irish connections; his grandfather was a Cork native plus he was a regular at the Galway International Arts Festival since 2002.
We are so sad to hear of the death of our dear friend John Mahoney. He performed so many memorable roles at the Festival and often holidayed in Galway. A truly brilliant actor. What a wonderful, sweet and gentle man he was. We loved him dearly. @NorthlightThtr@SteppenwolfThtrpic.twitter.com/062DVDYhrl
— Galway Int Arts Fest (@GalwayIntArts) February 6, 2018
Speaking to the Independent in 2014, he spoke of his love for Galway and the International Arts festival:
"I just keep coming to Galway. It all started in 2002 when I was doing Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night with the Irish Rep Company in Chicago. We were invited to bring it to the Galway Arts Festival, and performing it there was one of the highlights of my career, genuinely.
"I met Paul (Fahy, now the artistic director of the festival) the first time I came over and we struck up a friendship that goes beyond the theatre. I'm not just saying this to blow smoke up you, but my two favourite places in the world are Galway and Chicago."
A man of good taste clearly! He will certainly be missed.
