It is ironic that actor Robert (Robbie) Doolin, who died on August 21st aged 33, was on the verge of greater things. Only a couple of weeks ago he had been offered a substantial part in a new Irish movie Headrush, due to start filming shortly. Born in Crumlin, Dublin, on February 24th, 1967, Robert Joseph Doolin was educated at Scoil Iosagain and Colaiste Caoimhin in Crumlin. He completed his education at the technical school on Clogher Road.
Robert Doolin was very proud of his working-class roots. He regularly quoted his hero Phil Lynott's line on his birthplace:
When abroad I'm Irish, when in Ireland I'm from Dublin, when in Dublin, I'm from Crumlin.
Robert Doolin was best known for his role as Willie in the RTE situation comedy, Upwardly Mobile, but his acting career stretched through stage, television and film as well as in directing and producing. His early career, in the late 1980s, was based at the Focus Theatre, where he took part in many productions under director Deirdre O'Connell. From here he moved on to parts in the Abbey and Gate theatres. It was, however, in the Willy Russell play Stags and Hens, produced by his own company, Shreds, in 1991, that he first came to prominence for his comic timing as the dim-witted Billie - a characterisation he later brought to greater heights in Upwardly Mobile.
His first major break in television came in 1991 when he played the real-life role of Kenneth Best, the Corkman who had been brain-damaged by the Wellcome three-in-one vaccine. He made international headlines in the drama documentary series Against The Odds for the BBC. Other roles in television and films followed quickly, including Thaddeus O'Sullivan's Nothing Personal and many regular appearances on RTE's, Fair City, Ballykissangel and The Morbegs. He acted in a number of Roddy Doyle's works, including the film versions of The Commitments and The Snapper and also in the series The Family for BBC. Always willing to work with up-and-coming young directors and producers, his curriculum vitae of short films are too numerous to mention. BAFTA award-winning director, Damien O'Donnell, was one of the many who benefited from his generosity to first-time directors.
A passionate nationalist when it came to politics, Robert Doolin could be uncompromising and stubborn. He would listen to others, but only took advice from people he trusted. He didn't mince words and called a spade a spade. But behind that there was a big heart and generosity of spirit coupled with a good sense of humour. He loved to socialise and was well known in Dublin's nightlife. The last few months of his life had been tough. Like many, Robert Doolin had to work outside his calling to support his beloved acting and outside influences were bearing down heavily. However, a new light was appearing on the horizon. Never one to give up, he was completing a FAS course in Clondalkin, Dublin, on laptop publication, fuelling his great interest from in technology. Auditions for acting work were cropping up and a part in a new film was in the offing. He was a devoted uncle to his nephews and nieces, Conan, Ita and Taran. He is survived by his mother Alice, father Tom and sister Kim.
Robert Doolin: born 1967; died, August 2000