Mark Mulholland - Star of 'Billy Plays' dies aged 70

25/10/2007

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has learned with regret of the death of one of Northern Ireland’s leading character actors, Mark Mulholland, who died yesterday in hospital after a short illness, at the age of 70.

Born in Ballymena, Mark Mulholland had a lengthy career spanning more than 40 years, on stage, film and television. Turning professional in 1968, he began a long and productive association with the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, where he appeared in many notable productions, including Stewart Parker’s Northern Star (1984).

During his film career he worked with some of the biggest names in the industry on films such as Far and Away (1992) with Tom Cruise, The Boxer (1997) with Daniel Day Lewis, and his final film, the upcoming City of Ember, with Tom Hanks.

His television credits include the BBC’s Taggart series and the adaptation of Robert McLiam Wilson’s novel, Eureka Street (1999). He is perhaps best known in Northern Ireland for his portrayal of Uncle Andy, working alongside Kenneth Branagh in the BBC’s Play for Today series, the trilogy of ‘Billy Plays’ (1980-1983), set in Belfast.

Mark Mulholland is survived by his son, Stephen, daughter, Una, and estranged wife, Gina.