By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Ten years ago a bright light went out in Buffalo's theatre district. And theatre audiences still mourn the passing of actor Chris O'Neill. The Irish born actor and co-founder of the Irish Classical Theatre Company died suddenly at the peak of his career. But anyone who ever knew O'Neill says that there is no way of forgetting the vibrant, colorful performer.
On Sunday, family and friends will share their memories of O'Neill in a celebration of his life. And in full Irish tradition there also will be plenty of food, song and drink.
WBFO's Joyce Kryszak has this preview of the tribute planned for Chris O'Neill.
Hail, hearty and full of life. That's the way Chris O'Neill is remembered. That made it all the more tragic when he died suddenly ten years ago from a bacterial infection.
Chris O'Neill the actor left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances - and unfulfilled potential. But for those who knew him, Chris was so much more. To his younger brother Vincent, Chris was everything.
Vincent said his brother poured every ounce of who he was into his work and his friendships. Vincent said it was Chris who really had the vision to imagine the Irish Classical Theatre - and the business sense to make it happen.
Kevin Townsell is the owner of the Shannon Pub in Amherst and a longtime friend. It was Townsell who first welcomed the small band of Irish actors to his Pub for their first show. Townsell said with minimal staging, "Waiting for Godot" and the O'Neill brothers became an instant hit.
But Chris' sister-in-law Josephine Hogan doesn't mind a bit if she tells a few secrets. Hogan, who is Vincent's wife and artist in residence at ICT, said Chris had a decidedly mischievous side.
Oh, but not so fast said old friend and ICT co-founder Jim Warde. Yes, he said, Chris was a joker. But Warde said he was also tremendously generous. Warde recalls one performance in particular where Chris handed the spotlight to his co-star.
Actually, Vincent said his brother had an amazing memory. Although he said there was that one time when even the quick study was left to improvise.
But former ICT publicist Darleen Pickering Hummert remembers how Chris made his improvisations pay off. She said he had is own "unique" marketing methods.
And the O'Neill family is hoping everyone will call back for this opportunity to see Chris perform one more time. There will be footage of some of his performances. And plenty of laughs and memories of the man they call the beautiful dreamer.
Vincent said it will be a ten-year belated, good old fashioned Irish wake - just as his brother would have wanted.
The O'Neill's sister Margaret, and his daughter and former wife will fly in from Ireland for the event.
There will be performances and shared memories, as well as music by Kindred, Joe Head and the Ramseys. Food will be provided by the Shannon Pub.
The public is invited to call for reservations to the free tribute on Sunday. The celebration begins with food and drinks in the Chris O'Neill lounge at 6:15 PM. The curtain goes up on Chris' life at 7:00 PM.
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