Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley has paid a moving tribute to his former co-star Brenda Fricker following her death at the age of 81. The Oscar-winning actress, known for her roles in My Left Foot and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, passed away peacefully on July 17 after a period of ill health, her agent confirmed.
Maudsley shares memories of filming together
Tony Maudsley, who plays George Shuttleworth on the ITV soap, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post. He posted a selfie of the pair, revealing they worked together in 2001 on the film The Intended, set in the Borneo jungle. In the caption, Maudsley wrote: "Farewell beautiful Brenda Fricker. What an absolute hoot she was. We spent the summer of 2001 together making the film, THE INTENDED, playing mother & son out in the jungle in Borneo. We became great friends and had the best time, despite being bitten to death by mosquitoes and chased by snakes. A funny funny lady. RIP Bren. You'll be so missed."
Agent confirms details of death
Fricker's death was announced by her agent Phil Belfield, who described her as a "legend". His statement read: "It is with much sadness that I share the news that beloved actress Brenda Fricker passed away last night peacefully after a period of ill health, at the age of 81. Dublin-born and bred, Brenda Fricker undoubtedly deserves the title legend… We will never see her like again and the world is lesser for the lack of her. I was honoured to know, love and work with her and she will always have a place in my heart and in the heart of so many film and TV fans the world over."
Fricker's Oscar-winning career
Fricker won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Bridget Fagan Brown in the 1989 film My Left Foot, which tells the story of Christy Brown, an Irish man born with cerebral palsy who could only control his left foot. She also gained international fame for her role as the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2: Lost In New York.
Fans react to tribute
Maudsley's tribute was met with an outpouring of support from fans. Comments included: "Great picture of you both" from @david.aitken1967, and "It's nice to know she was as lovely as she seemed" from @average_guy_entertainments. @mary.tubridy.1865 wrote: "Rest in Peace Brenda. Such a wonderful actress. Lovely tribute, Tony."
