Geordie entertainer Brendan Healy has died, at the age of 59.
Best known for his performances around the North East of England, Brendan died on Thursday night, with his family at his side, following a long battle with cancer.
Brendan Healy has sadly died, following a five-year battle with cancer
A statement posted on his official Facebook page reads: “Last night Brendan passed away peacefully at 11.50pm after a five-year battle with cancer.
“His strength, dignity and humour throughout his illness is an inspiration to all his friends and family. A much loved husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend to many, he will be sorely missed.”
Over the course of his career, Brendan fronted the 1970s children’s TV show ‘Razzmatazz’, before making landing various acting roles, including in the Newcastle-based detective series ‘Spender’, the sitcom ‘Auf Wiedersehen, Pet’ and the crime drama ‘Boon’.
He also starred in the TV adaptations of the Catherine Cookson novels ‘The Girl’ and ‘The Black Velvet Gown’.
Brendan started his career in entertainment as a musician, before making the move into theatre writing and later stand-up comedy, for which he was best known in his home territory, alongside his work in the yearly pantomimes at the city’s Tyne Theatre.
He was also among the stars who took part in the annual ‘Sunday For Sammy’ charity concerts, alongside stars like Denise Welch, Tim Healy, Joe McElderry and Chris Ramsey, which set out to raise money for - and shine a light on- young talent in the North East.