Val Vousden facts for kids

Val Vousden (born William Francis Maher MacNevin) was a famous Irish actor, poet, and writer. He was born on January 29, 1885, in Carlow, Ireland. He became well-known for his acting on stage, radio, and in films, as well as for his poems and plays. He passed away on June 6, 1951.

Early Life and First Steps

William Francis Maher MacNevin, who later became known as Val Vousden, was born in Carlow on January 29, 1885. His mother, Eliza Maher, was a teacher.

He first acted on stage in 1891 when he was just six years old. He played Tiny Tim in a play called A Christmas Carol in Carlow Town Hall. He continued to act in small shows, guided by Julia Kelly.

Val went to school at the Christian Brothers National School and Mungret College in Limerick. In 1904, he joined the Royal Engineers as a clerk. He left the Engineers in 1905 due to health reasons.

After leaving the army, he joined a drama group that traveled around Ireland and England. He performed under the name Bartley Hynes. In 1910, he returned to Carlow to perform in Penny Readings. He also created a short play called Art and Laughter.

He then toured with the Carrickford Repertory Company until 1914. When World War I started in 1914, Vousden joined the army again. He served in France and became a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Welsh Regiment.

Val Vousden married a fellow actress named Pearl O'Donnell. They toured the country performing together. They had three daughters: Sheila, Mona, and Patricia.

Acting Career Highlights

When he returned to Ireland, Val Vousden joined Roberto Lena's company in Newbridge. He then acted for a season with the Queens in Dublin. By this time, he was using the stage name Val Vousden, named after an earlier Irish entertainer.

For the next three years, he worked with the O'Brien and Ireland Company. He acted alongside famous people like May Craig and Peadar Kearney.

When radio broadcasting started in Ireland, Val Vousden hosted the very first light entertainment show. He was a regular voice on Irish radio until he died. He also taught elocution (the art of clear speaking) in many schools and colleges.

Val Vousden wrote many plays, short sketches, and poems. These were published in a book called Recitations, Monologues, Character Sketches and Plays. He also wrote his own life story, called Val Vousden's Caravan.

He often acted as part of the Abbey Players at the Abbey Theatre. He also appeared in several films, including:

• Irish Destiny (1926)
• Captain Boycott (1947)
• Odd Man Out'' (1947)
• Uncle Nick

Later Life and Remembering Val Vousden

Val Vousden passed away on June 6, 1951, at Clonskea Hospital in Dublin. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

On June 9, 2004, the 50th anniversary of his death was remembered at the Carlow County Library.