Paddy O'Byrne facts for kids

Paddy O'Byrne (born December 8, 1929 – died December 4, 2013) was a famous Irish radio host and actor. He became one of the most well-known voices on the radio in South Africa.

Early Life and New Career

Paddy O'Byrne was born in Killiney, a town near Dublin, Ireland. He went to several schools, including St Mary's College, Dublin and Castleknock College. He also studied at University College Dublin, where he earned a degree in Legal and Political Science.

In 1952, Paddy became a lawyer. However, he soon decided that he preferred performing. In 1954, he left his law career to join the George Mitchell Singers in London. While working as a singer, he met Vicky Fitzpatrick, who was also a singer and dancer. They got married and had three children: Jane, John, and Dominic. Sadly, John passed away in 1980.

Becoming a Radio Star in South Africa

In 1958, Paddy O'Byrne and his family moved to South Africa. This was a big change for him! In 1961, he entered a competition called The Voice of South Africa. He won the competition, which led to a contract with the South African Broadcasting Corporation. This was the start of his exciting new career in radio.

Paddy was known for his clear speaking voice. This was common for many Irish actors and South African broadcasters at the time.

Working at Top Radio Stations

Paddy O'Byrne became a very popular voice on South African radio. When the radio station Talk Radio 702 started in Johannesburg in 1980, Paddy was the very first announcer people heard. He also worked for other radio stations like Radio Today and Radio Veritas. Radio Veritas is a Roman Catholic station. Later, he worked for Fine Music Radio in Cape Town.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Paddy also worked for famous stations in the United Kingdom. These included BBC Radio 2 and Capital Radio.

Paddy O'Byrne as an Actor

Besides being a radio host, Paddy O'Byrne was also an actor. He narrated five films while living in South Africa. He also played the science-fiction character Mark Saxon in a radio drama called No Place to Hide.

Return to Ireland and Retirement

In 2001, Paddy O'Byrne and his family moved back to Ireland. They settled in Mullingar. Even after moving, Paddy continued to work in radio. He did broadcasts for Lyric FM, an Irish classical music station. He also recorded his shows for Fine Music Radio from Ireland, which were then sent to South Africa. Paddy retired from broadcasting in 2004.

In 2010, Paddy O'Byrne received a special award in Johannesburg. He was honored for his amazing work in South African broadcasting. He was one of the first people to be added to the Radio Hall of Fame.

Narrating Famous Films

Paddy O'Byrne was the narrator for two movies from The Gods Must Be Crazy series. He also narrated the film Animals Are Beautiful People. His voice helped tell the stories in these popular movies.

Paddy O'Byrne's Passing

Paddy O'Byrne passed away on December 4, 2013. He was 83 years old. He died in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland.