Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner for My Left Foot, dies aged 81

Brenda Fricker, the acclaimed Irish actor who won an Oscar for her role in My Left Foot, has died at the age of 81. Her agent, Phil Belfield, confirmed the news in a statement to the BBC, calling her a unique talent whose loss will be felt deeply by fans worldwide.

Fricker's career spanned decades, beginning with television roles in series such as Coronation Street and Casualty before she transitioned to film. She is best known for portraying the mother of Christy Brown in the 1989 film My Left Foot, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Irish-born actor to win an Oscar for acting.

The film, directed by Jim Sheridan, tells the story of Christy Brown, who had cerebral palsy and could only control his left foot. It was a critical and commercial success, also winning Daniel Day-Lewis the Best Actor Oscar. Fricker's performance was widely praised for its warmth and authenticity.

Her death marks the end of an era for Irish cinema, and her agent noted that she will be remembered by film and TV fans around the world. No details about the cause of death or funeral arrangements have been released at this time.