Niall Tóibín (Irish pronunciation: [ˈn̠ʲiəl̪ˠ t̪ˠoːˈbʲiːnʲ]; 21 November 1929 – 13 November 2019) was an Irish comedian and actor. Born in Cork into an Irish-speaking family, Tóibín grew up on the northside of the city in Bishop's Field.
He appeared in Ryan's Daughter, Brideshead Revisited, Bracken, The Ballroom of Romance, The Irish R.M., Caught in a Free State, Ballykissangel, Far and Away, and Veronica Guerin. He was awarded honorary lifetime membership of the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) in 2011 and the Freedom of Cork in 2015.
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Early life
Tóibín was born in 1929 in Cork, Ireland, the sixth of seven children, born to Siobhán (née Ní Shúileabháin) and Seán Tóibín, native Irish speakers. His parents married in 1917. His father was born in Passage West, County Cork, and his parents came from Waterford and West Cork. Seán Tóibín was a teacher in the School of Commerce in Cork city and the author of two books, Blátha an Bhóithrín and Troscán na mBánta, on wayside and meadowland flowers, both written in the Irish language. His mother, Siobhán Ni Shúilleabháin, came from Beaufort, County Kerry.
Niall was born on the southside of Cork city in Friars' Walk. He was raised with Irish and used the language in his professional career, notably in the film Poitín. His siblings included Siobhán, Tomás (a poet), Déaglán, Filmin, Gobnait and Colm Tóibín.
