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Oscar-Winner Brenda Fricker Dies at 81 in Dublin

7/17/2026

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Summary

Brenda Fricker Dies

Brenda Fricker died Thursday night in Dublin at age 81 after a period of ill health.
She won the 1990 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for My Left Foot, becoming the first Irish actress to win an Oscar and beating nominees such as Julia Roberts and Anjelica Huston.
Deputy prime minister Simon Harris called her “one of the greatest exports this country has ever produced” after her death.

Summary

Fricker Opens Up

In a 2025 Guardian interview, Fricker called memoir writing “murder” while revisiting abuse.
Her 2024 memoir recounts an abusive teacher and suicide attempts.
She condemned Harvey Weinstein, saying his embrace made her feel sick.
She said the Oscar win raised salaries and travel but gave no money.
Dublin City Council awarded her Freedom of the City in 2024, during which she disclosed depression and six miscarriages in marriage.

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Brenda Fricker Dies

Brenda Fricker died Thursday night in Dublin at age 81 after a period of ill health.
She won the 1990 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for My Left Foot, becoming the first Irish actress to win an Oscar and beating nominees such as Julia Roberts and Anjelica Huston.
Deputy prime minister Simon Harris called her “one of the greatest exports this country has ever produced” after her death.

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