Myra McFadyen, Mamma Mia and Made of Honour actress, dies aged 68

Myra McFadyen, Mamma Mia and Made of Honour actress, dies aged 68

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for Scottish talent and a soft spot for theatrical performances, I have to say that the news of Myra McFadyen‘s passing has left me quite crestfallen. Having had the pleasure of witnessing her captivating performances on both stage and screen, I can attest to the truth in the Citizens Theatre’s heartfelt tribute – she was indeed a brilliantly talented actress with a unique ability to captivate audiences.


A multitude of tributes are pouring in for the late actress Myra McFadyen, who hails from Glasgow, after her passing at the age of 68.

She was particularly renowned for her stage performances, yet she also graced the screens in popular romantic comedies such as “The Maid of Honor” and “Mamma Mia!

McFadyen first honed his skills at Glasgow’s Conservatoire and later perfected mime in Paris. Subsequently, he had an illustrious acting career that lasted for several decades, encompassing both theater and film.

Last month, I had the privilege of stepping into the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past for the Old Vic’s enchanting production of A Christmas Carol. It was a magical experience that I won’t forget anytime soon!

After spending two years on the stage of the West End’s production of the ABBA musical, McFadyen was cast as Elena in Mamma Mia!, sharing the spotlight with big-name Hollywood stars such as Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth.

Film credits beyond the ones mentioned earlier involve Emma, where she portrayed Mrs. Bates, Our Ladies, and The Boy who Aspired to be a King.

Tributes have been flooding in for McFadyen following the tragic news of her passing.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of the immensely talented Myra McFadyen. Famous to Citz audiences for her roles in numerous productions such as The Choir, Hayfever, and Glasgow Girls, she will be fondly remembered for her mesmerizing performances on stage, television, and film.

— Citizens Theatre (@citizenstheatre) October 22, 2024

The Citizens Theatre of Glasgow expressed deep sorrow over the death of the exceptionally gifted Myra McFadyen, expressing their sentiments on Twitter (now known as X).

Familiar to Citz spectators due to her appearances in numerous plays like The Choir, Hayfever, and Glasgow Girls, she leaves behind a legacy of spellbinding performances on stage, television, and the silver screen.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d express it this way: “Dominic Hill, our theater’s visionary, declared that she was nothing short of a legend in the realm of Scottish theater. Her acting prowess was remarkable, and her voice, simply enchanting.

He continued: “As well as productions at the Citz, I’ll always remember her extraordinary performance as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in London – funny, mischievous, and heartbreaking”.

In a tweet, actor Lesley Molony expressed that Myra McFadyen was exceptionally kind-hearted, immensely talented, full of generosity, and her spirit was vast.

As a devoted cinephile, I reminisce about the rip-rosome times we shared on the stage of “Mamma Mia” back in 2008-2009, with her portraying the vivacious character, Rosie. Her absence is truly felt deeply.

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2024-10-23 14:33