Fay Sargent facts for kids

Fay Sargent (born Mary Gertrude Hannan) was an Irish singer, actor, and journalist. She was born on January 16, 1890, and passed away on December 23, 1967.

About Fay Sargent

Fay Sargent was born in Waterford, Ireland, on January 16, 1890. Her birth name was Mary Gertrude Hannan. When she was very young, her father passed away. Her mother then moved with her to England, where they lived with her uncle. Fay went to school there, learning from French teachers and Loreto nuns.

From a young age, Fay was interested in Irish culture. She joined the Gaelic League in London. This group worked to promote the Irish language and traditions. Through this group, she met Philip Armfield Sargent, who sold timber. They got married in London on September 16, 1908, when she was 17. Philip was English, but he strongly supported Irish independence. He was involved in the Easter Rising in 1916. After this, he was held in a prison camp in Wales for a few months.

A few years after they married, Fay and Philip moved to Ireland. They lived in Dublin in 1915. Fay traveled around the country for the Gaelic League, singing traditional Irish songs.

Becoming an Actor

Fay started acting in 1918. She performed at the famous Abbey Theatre and also appeared in silent films. She used the stage name "Dymphna Daly." In 1921, she played a part in a play called The Irish Jew alongside a well-known actor, Jimmy O'Dea.

She appeared in many of O'Dea's shows after that. However, she did not act full-time. She felt it was important to balance her acting with her family life.

Life as a Journalist

Fay Sargent also became a journalist. She said she "drifted" into it. She became very well known for her regular column in The Herald newspaper. Her column ran from 1920 to 1940.

In her column, she wrote about funny conversations between Dublin characters. These characters included Mrs Casey, Mrs Byrne, and Mrs Win-the-war. She wrote their conversations just as they sounded. These characters became so popular that they were used for radio shows in 1928. Fay performed in these radio sketches herself. The characters were even featured at fancy dress parties!

Fay also did other radio work. She adapted classic children's stories for radio. She also performed in radio plays.

She returned to the Abbey Theatre in 1956 for a play called Boyd's shop. In 1958, she had a small role in The informer at the Gate Theatre.

Fay Sargent passed away suddenly at her home in Dublin on December 23, 1967. She was buried at Mount Jerome Cemetery.

Fay Sargent's Roles

Film Roles

• Cruiskeen Lawn (1922)
• This Other Eden (1959)
• Boyd's Shop (1960)

Stage Roles

• The Informer (1958)