- Johnny, pictured in the front row, and his Commitments co-stars
Irish actor Johnny Murphy has sadly passed away aged in his early seventies following a brief illness.
Best known for his role as trumpet player Joey ‘The Lips’ Fagan in The Commitments, tributes have been pouring in for the star all morning.
His co-star in the hit movie, Maria Doyle-Kennedy called him a ‘gentleman’ today, while Glen Hansard, who also starred in the Dublin-based film also paid tribute.
“A beautiful man, and a true gent. Bless you Johnny,” the Oscar-winning musician wrote.
Irish Titanic actor Liam Tuohy said: “RIP Johnny Murphy. The Commitments’ ‘Joey the Lips’ lives forever in our hearts”, while Love/Hate’s Laurence Kinlan tweeted: “RIP Johnny Murphy. He lit up our screens as Joey The Lips Fagan in The Commitments but he was a Gentleman first.”
Since news of his passing, #JoeyTheLips has been trending on Twitter, such is the volume of condolences being posted for the actor, who also featured in Into The West, Waiting for Godot and Angela’s Ashes.