Tony Nominated Actor Donal Donnelly Dies at Age 78

Donal Donnelly, nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Gar Private in the world premiere of Brian Friel's PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME!, passed away on January 4, 2010. Donnelly, 78, died from cancer in Chicago, where he has been living for two years.

Donnelly was an Irish theatre and film actor born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, but raised in Dublin, Ireland. Donnelly performed on Broadway a number of times, replacing Albert Finney in A DAY IN THE DEATH OF JOE EGG in 1968, playing Milo Tindle in Anthony Shaffer's SLEUTH, and appearing as Frederick Treves opposite David Bowie as THE ELEPHANT MAN. He also appeared in the world premiere of FAITH HEALER with James Mason in 1979 as well as the Broadway premieres of DANCING AT LUGHNASA in 1991 and TRANSLATIONS in 1995.

Away from the stage, Donnelly could be found in a number of films. These include "The Knack...and How to Get It," "The Godfather Part III," "Twister," and John Huston's "The Dead," based on the short story by James Joyce.

Donnelly is survived by his wife, Patsy, and two sons.