David Heap (actor)

David Richard Heap (21 May 1949 – 30 December 2025) was an English-born Ireland-based actor.

Early life and career

Born in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, Heap initially worked for Procter & Gamble before later studying acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.[1] He moved to Ireland after playing the role of Captain Lancey in the world premiere of Translations by Brian Friel in 1980.[2] Heap also performed in many Gate Theatre productions, including Salomé, The Importance of being Earnest and Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

Heap's best-known television acting role was that of Donal Maher in Fair City, a role he played from 1996 until 2004. He also played Brian Noonan, a junior minister and personal friend of Bishop Brennan in the comedy series Father Ted.[3]

Personal life and death

Heap had a daughter with Barbara Bradshaw in 1981. He married the actor Olwen Fouéré in 1984 with whom he had two children, a daughter Morgane and a son JoJo, who both died in infancy.[4] Heap was diagnosed with Corticobasal syndrome, a rare neurodegenerative disease, in 2024 and died on 30 December 2025, at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife Olwen, his daughter Laura Bradshaw-Heap and his two grandchildren Olivia and Todor Hadzi-Jovancic [5]

Selected filmography

References

  1. ^ McBride, Charlie (18 June 2015). "'I was a working class boy'". Galway Advertiser. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  2. ^ Fox, Kenneth (31 December 2025). "Renowned Fair City and theatre actor David Heap dies at 76". Echo Live. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  3. ^ Sloane, Ella (31 December 2025). "Fair City and theatre actor David Heap dies aged 76". Irish Times. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  4. ^ Dwyer, Ciara (16 November 2008). "My wife and her lover". Irish Independent. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  5. ^ Calnan, Denise (31 December 2025). "Actor David Heap dies aged 76 after long illness: 'A special man and a beautiful soul'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
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