Johnny Murphy, Irish musician and actor, Died at 72

Johnny Murphy died on February 23, 2016.

He was an Irish musician and actor.

He was mostly known for his role as trumpet player Joey ‘The Lips’ Fagan in The Commitments.

His tenure spans to over 50 years of experience.

Another role, starred alongside Murphy was Glen Hansard in the adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s book.

During the time, Johnny made the role of Joey ‘The Lips’ Fagan famous while established musicians Rory Gallagher and Van Morrison were originally considered to play the part.

After Johhny Murphy made his name as a stage actor first, the Commitments director Alan Parker felt that Murphy would be in a good position to mentor the largely inexperienced cast, which included Glen Hansard, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Andrew Strong and Angelina Ball.

Johhny Murphy also starred as Estragon in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Angela’s Ashes.

Johhny Murphy passed away at 72 yrs old due to respiratory failure.