Playwright Brian Friel, who was known as the Irish Chekhov, has passed away at the age of 86.
Friel, who wrote award-winning plays for over forty years, died on Friday in his Ireland home, according to The New York Times. The Arts Council of Ireland first announced his death, but no cause has bee given
He was one of Ireland's best-known playwrights, and he wrote his first successful play in 1964, The Irish Times reported. He went on to win many awards, including three Tony Awards, an Evening Standard Award, and a New York Drama Critic's Circle and Olivier Award. Twenty-four of his plays were published, and he also wrote two short-story collections, eight published adaptations and a few unpublished adaptations. Some of his most well-known plays were "Molly Sweeney," "Faith Healher," "The Gentle Island," and "The Home Place," and mostly, "Dancing at Lughnasa."
"Brian was a giant of the theater, and a humble quiet man, who enjoyed the private company of family, friends, and colleagues, but who shunned the spotlight," said Sheila Pratschke, chairwoman of the Arts Council, according to U.S. News. "He had a natural, easy and profound understanding of the actor's craft, and he spoke about how the actor's public utterance of the playwright's private words was what made the experience of theater so unique."
"To have had the privilege of knowing Brian Friel as a friend was an immense gift," Irish President Michael D. Higgins said, BBC News reported. "He was a man of powerful intellect, great courage and generosity. These were talents that he delivered with great humour, grit and compassion. His legacy to the Irish people is immense."
"I had the pleasure of being in five of Brian's plays, in my early years," actor Liam Neeson said. "It was a joy to say his words and to feel secure in the hands of a master craftsman."
Friel is survived by his wife Anne Morrison, his four daughters and his son. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
