Hal Roach
Biography
Hal Roach (4 November 1927 – 28 February 2012) was a prominent Irish comedian. He spent over 60 years in show business as a live performer, having also recorded albums, DVDs and was featured in the Guinness World Records for the longest-running engagement of a comedian at the same venue: 26 years at Jury's Irish Cabaret, Jury's Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin. Born John Roche in Waterford, where he attended the Manor Christian Brothers school, Roche began his career after winning a local talent competition as a boy soprano. He initially toured with an illusionist and specialised in magic, but later moved to comedy. Roach has been cited as a major influence by other comedians such as Brendan Grace.[2] Roach was popular particularly with American tourists visiting Ireland. His act played heavily on traditional tourist imagery of Ireland and on Irish jokes. Several of his shows have been released on cassette and CD, and they are popular with tour bus drivers in several English-speaking countries who play them to passengers to help pass the time between destinations. After suffering from a long bout of ill health, Roach died on 28 February 2012. The following month, RTÉ broadcast a tribute to Roach in one of its graveyard slots, a repeat airing of a programme from the That's Entertainment series first broadcast in 1972.
Known For & Full Filmography3 Titles
Movie - 1965, 2h 15m • as Musician
Ray Charles plays himself in this film where he helps blind boy David in his struggle to regain his sight. David’s over-protective mother Peggy is afraid of the risks connected with restoring his sight. Ray tries to help the whole family, offering the heavy-drinking Peggy’s heavy-drinking partner Steve an opportunity to work with his band.
Movie - 1990, 2h 15m • as Himself
Often referred to as the 'Bob Hope of Ireland' - good clean respectable comedy is the name of Hal's illustrious game with a genuine jocularadoration to all things Irish and whimsical. Also featuring special guest vocalist Tony Kenny It's Himself puts the gentleman comedian comfortably under the spotlight to win over the crowd with his personal anecdotes and reflections of the country he so loves - one delightful joke at a time. But be sure toremember if it truly tickles your funny bone don't just laugh out loudto forget it later -"you have to write it down folks you really do! ...Hal Roach: It's Himself
Movie - 1988, 2h 15m • as Himself
Hal Roach, billed as Ireland's Bob Hope, delivers his patented brand of blarney to a live audience at the Jurys Hotel in Dublin.