Brendan O'Carroll facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brendan O'Carroll
O'Carroll in 2015
Born	(1955-09-17) 17 September 1955 (age 69) Finglas, Dublin, Ireland
Occupation	Actor comedian director producer writer
Years active	1991–present
Known for	Agnes Brown in Mrs. Brown's Boys and All Round to Mrs. Brown's
Spouse(s)	Doreen Dowdall ​ ​ (m. 1977; div. 1999)​ Jennifer Gibney ​ (m. 2005)​
Children	4, including Fiona and Danny
Parents	Gerard O'Carroll (father) Maureen McHugh (mother)
Relatives	Eilish O'Carroll (sister)

Brendan O'Carroll (born 17 September 1955) is a famous Irish actor, comedian, and writer. He is best known for playing the funny character Agnes Brown. Agnes is a loud and loving mother figure in the popular TV show Mrs. Brown's Boys. This show is shown on the BBC and RTÉ television channels. In 2015, Brendan O'Carroll won a special award. It was for his amazing work and contribution to Irish television.

Brendan O'Carroll's Story

Growing Up in Dublin

Brendan O'Carroll was born in Finglas, Dublin, Ireland. He was the youngest of 11 children. His birthday is on 17 September 1955. His mother, Maureen, was a politician. She was a member of the Irish Parliament, called a TD. His father, Gerard O'Carroll, worked as a carpenter.

Sadly, Brendan's father passed away in 1962. Brendan was only seven years old then. His mother raised all eleven children by herself. They did not have much money. Brendan left school when he was 12 years old. After school, he worked many different jobs. He was a waiter and also a milkman.

Starting His Career

Brendan O'Carroll became well-known as a funny guest. He often appeared on an Irish TV show called The Late Late Show. He then released four stand-up comedy videos. These videos had funny names like How's your Raspberry Ripple.

Brendan also wrote a movie script called Sparrow's Trap. It was a boxing film. However, the movie faced problems with money. It was never finished. This caused Brendan to have big financial difficulties.

Later, Brendan hosted a quiz show. It was called Hot Milk and Pepper. This show was on RTÉ One. He worked with his friend Gerry Browne on this show.

From Radio to TV Star

In 1992, Brendan O'Carroll created a short radio play. It was called Mrs. Brown's Boys. Soon after, he wrote four books about the same characters. These books were named The Mammy, The Granny, The Chisellers, and The Scrapper.

In 1999, a movie called Agnes Browne was made. It starred the famous actress Anjelica Huston. This movie was based on Brendan's book "The Mammy". Brendan also helped write the movie's script.

After this, Brendan decided to start his own theatre company. It was called Mrs. Browne's Boys. He planned to have an actress play the main role. But the actress did not show up. So, Brendan dressed up as a woman himself. He played the part of Agnes Brown.

From 1999 to 2009, he wrote and performed in five stage plays. These plays became very popular. Since 2011, the stage shows have toured all over the UK.

In 2011, his plays were turned into a TV sitcom. The name "Browne" was shortened to "Brown". This became the hit show Mrs. Brown's Boys. So far, many episodes have aired. This includes three main series and special Christmas episodes. There was even a live episode in 2016.

A movie based on the show, Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie, came out in 2014. It did very well in the UK. It was the number one movie for two weeks. Many of Brendan's family members are in the show. His wife, Jennifer Gibney, his sister Eilish, his son Danny, and his daughter Fiona all appear in Mrs. Brown's Boys.

Other Projects

In 2015, the BBC announced they wanted Brendan to create more shows. This was because Mrs Brown's Boys was so successful. Brendan shared his plans to adapt his very first play. He wanted to turn it into a new TV sitcom.

His Family Life

Brendan O'Carroll was married to his first wife from 1977 to 1999. He then married Jennifer Gibney in 2005. They live in Davenport, Florida.

Brendan has three children who are still living. His children include Fiona and Danny. Sadly, his first son, also named Brendan, passed away shortly after birth in 1976.

As an adult, Brendan found out he had dyslexia. This is a learning difference that affects reading. His sons Eric and Danny also have dyslexia.

Brendan's family has a history in Ireland. His grandfather, Peter O'Carroll, was a father of seven. He was also an important republican. He was shot and killed in 1920. Two of Peter's sons were volunteers in the Irish Republican Army. This family history was explored in the TV show Who Do You Think You Are?.

In 2016, Brendan appeared in a documentary. It was called Brendan O'Carroll – My Family at War. This show looked at his uncles' involvement in the Easter Rising.

What He's Been In

Movies

TV Shows

Stage Plays