Obituary MISS B. LENIHAN

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32321, 12 June 1970, Page 2

Obituary MISS B. LENIHAN

Miss Brigid Lenihan, the talented Christchurch actress, died suddenly in Melbourne yesterday. She was 40. Miss Lenihan toured New Zealand last year in “Fiddler on the Roof." in which she played the mother of the family. For about eight years Miss Lenihan had lived in Australia. and was considered one of the most versatile actresses in the country. She had played in Shakespeare, Greek drama, revues, and comedy with outstanding success. At the end of 1969. after more than two years in “Fiddler on the Roof.” she signed a permanent contract with the Melbourne Theatre Company and at the time of her death had just returned from a season with this company In Canberra. Born in Gore Born in Gore, Miss Lenihan came to Christchurch to live as a child, and was educated at Sacred Heart College. She was studying at the School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury, when she became interested in the theatre and joined the Canterbury University Drama Society. Sir Laurence Olivier saw her in the society’s production of Pirandello’s “Six Characters in Search of an [Author” in 1948, and recommended that she enter the professional theatre in Britain.

After touring Australia with the Canterbury University Drama Society in “Six Characters” and Shakespeare’s “Othello,” Miss Lenihan went to Britain, where she worked for many theatre companies to further her experience. She toured Italy with the Old Vic Company, and made many appearances on 8.8. C. television in London. : Brigid Lenihan returned to

New Zealand with the British Commonwealth Theatre Company, then went back to Britain. She eventually joined the New Zealand Players and while in New Zealand during this pertod did much work for the N.Z.B.C. Versatile Actress

On her return to Australia, she quickly established a reputation as a most versatile actress, and was in demand for many different types of roles.

A few years ago, she toured New Zealand in the comedy. “Boeing, Boeing.” before joining “Fiddler on the Roof.”

A daughter of Mrs Cecily Lenihan, of Christchurch, and the late Mr James Lenihan, Brigid Lenihan was in private life Mrs John Knight.

She leaves a 13-year-old son, Stephen Knight, who is in Melbourne, two brothers and three sisters, all of Christchurch.