The funeral has taken place of a west Belfast actress best remembered for her roles in The Price, The Bill and Titanic Town.
Family and friends of Angela (Aingeal) Grehan (70) gathered in her home parish of St Agnes on Wednesday to say their final farewells with priest Fr Raymond McCullagh recalling how she enjoyed an acting career that was “immense on theatre and screen”.
Ms Grehan died on July 9 in Michigan, where she lived and worked as a healer and spiritualist after her retirement from acting.
Mourners heard of how Ms Grehan developed her passion for acting as a pupil at Rathmore Grammar School in Belfast, before attending the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Fr McCullagh said moving to London, she “continued to work and make very special friends while always keeping in touch with those back at home”.
“Aingeal’s flare for acting soon led to parts in many plays and musicals in the Lyric and Arts theatre,” he said.
“Her fellow actors remember her natural ability, her professionalism and her sense of humour as well as her care, taking many younger actors under her wing.
“Aingeal’s acting career was immense on theatre and screen, she will be best remembered for starring in The Price, nominated for awards, The Bill and Titanic Town.”
Ms Grehan was also involved with the Project Arts Centre in Dublin and the Arts Theatre after the company was established in the 1970s.
She played a variety of roles from Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamboat to Jesus Christ Superstar, The Exorcism and Zorba as well as working on numerous television and film productions.
Retiring from acting, she moved to Michigan in 2011, where she worked as a healer and spiritualist, but also “travelled extensively to help others, most notably in Africa”.
“Aingeal loved her dogs and cats, which brought her so much joy and companionship,” Fr McCullagh added.
“Sadly Aingeal developed cancer in 2022, but she fought the illness with dignity and courage.
“Aingeal will be remembered for her ‘joie de vivre’, she loved everyone, her kindness and fun will be missed by many people.”
Tributes were also paid to Ms Grehan by those who worked with her, including Roy Heayberd, artistic director of the Ulster Actors Company.
He said: “Not only was Aingeal Grehan a good actress, she was a leading actress.
“She was easy to work with and could take direction, a pleasure to have in our company.”
Irish News columnist Anne Hailes, who also worked with her on a number of productions, said Ms Grehan was “a woman who nurtured her friends” adding that “I hope she realises how loved she was”.
Houston Marshall, who worked with the actress at the Arts Theatre, said: “So sorry to hear of the passing of a dear friend and talented actress, she has finally lost her battle with Lymphoma which she battled against with her characteristic vigour and passion.
“A lovely lady who was a true and loyal friend.”
