Brenda Fricker, the Oscar-winning Irish actress best known for My Left Foot and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, has died at 81.
Fricker died on July 16 in Dublin following a period of ill health, her agent confirmed.
She had a career spanning more than six decades across film, television and theater. In 1990, she made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win an acting Oscar, earning Best Supporting Actress for her role as Bridget Brown in My Left Foot, alongside Daniel Day-Lewis.
Millions also remember her as the kind-hearted Pigeon Lady who befriended Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2.
Fricker appeared in more than 90 film and television productions, including Veronica Guerin, Angels in the Outfield and Omagh.
Earlier in 2026, she received the Freedom of the City of Dublin in recognition of her contribution to Irish culture.
Her agent Philip Belfield remembered her as a one-of-a-kind talent, saying the world is “lesser for the lack of her.”
Brenda Fricker leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will live on through generations of movie fans.
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