Irish theatre and film actor Donal Donnelly, famed for his role as "Freddy" Malins in John Huston's film version of Joyce's short story The Dead, has died.
The 78-year-old died yesterday at his home in Chicago after a long illness.
Donnelly, who was originally born in England but raised in Dublin, had a successful career on the stage in Dublin, London and the US.
But he also starred in several major films, including Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather: Part III
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen today paid tribute to Donnelly, describing him as a “great ambassador” for Ireland.
“He received great praise for his work in the United States and in many ways was one of the first of the Irish success stories which today we continue to enjoy in the world of international film,” he said.
Mr Cullen extended his sympathies to Donnelly’s wife Patsy and his two sons.