John Cowley (actor) facts for kids
John Cowley (born September 8, 1923 – died February 13, 1998) was a well-known Irish actor. He is most famous for playing Tom Riordan, the father figure in the long-running RTÉ Television drama series, The Riordans.
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Early Life and Becoming an Actor
John Cowley grew up on a farm in Navan, County Meath, Ireland. He started working on his family's farm when he was only 13 years old. Later, John decided to become an actor. He joined traveling theater groups that performed plays in small towns across Ireland.
Life as a traveling actor was not always easy. John once wrote to the very famous actor Laurence Olivier. He hoped to get a job at a big theater called the Old Vic in London. However, Olivier politely told him there were no openings.
Starring in The Riordans
In 1964, John Cowley got a big break. He was chosen to play Tom Riordan in a new TV show by RTÉ called The Riordans. This show became very popular.
John's acting was so good that he won a Jacob's Award in 1967. He continued to play Tom Riordan until the show finished in 1979. Tom Hickey, who played Tom Riordan's son Benjy, said John was like the "central rock" of The Riordans. He called him "the father of the whole enterprise."
Later Acting Roles
After The Riordans ended, John Cowley went back to performing on stage. He continued acting for the rest of his life. When he passed away, he was rehearsing with the Galway's Druid Theatre Company. They were preparing for a play called Philadelphia Here I Come by Brian Friel.
John also appeared in several movies. These included The Field, directed by Jim Sheridan. This film was based on a play by John B. Keane. He also acted in Jim Sheridan's 1997 movie, The Boxer.
Fighting for Animal Welfare
John Cowley cared deeply about animals. He was strongly against cruelty to animals. He actively campaigned against practices like hare coursing and fox hunting. These are sports where dogs chase hares or foxes. John was also a founder of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports. This group works to stop cruel sports involving animals.
Death
John Cowley was married to an actress named Annie D'Alton. She passed away in March 1983. John Cowley died at his home in Ardbraccan when he was 74 years old. His son, Ultan, is now a writer and historian.
