TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to the Irish actress Susan Fitzgerald who died this morning.

Fitzgerald died at home surrounded by her family following a long illness.

The 64-year-old known was one of the most recognisable faces in Irish theatre acting and was married to Michael Colgan, artistic director of the Gate Theatre in Dublin.

Fitzgerald had played many roles at The Gate including appearing as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, and as Mrs. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice.

Her work for the Abbey Theatre included Six Characters in Search of an Author, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Hedda Gabler and The Duty Master.

Fitzgerald was also a prominent on screen actress with some of her best known screen roles including Fair City, Rebel Heart and Bachelor’s Walk.

Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan expressed his sympathy upon hearing of her death and says his thoughts are with her family, “Susan is the pre-eminent stage actress of her generation and beloved of theatre audiences. Susan played leading roles in the Gate Theatre in plays by both Irish and overseas writers.

“With the poise of the truly gifted she could move from comedies of manners to contemporary plays and also, with equal facility, to television and film,” he said.

Grief was also expressed from within the acting community with Fiach Mac Conghail, Director of the Abbey Theatre tweeting this tribute:

Sorry to hear of the death of Susan Fitzgerald. A fantastic actor – great timing, excellent comedy & heartbreaking quality in tragedy. RIP

Requiem Mass for Susan Fitzgerald will take place on Wednesday at the Church of the Three Patrons in Rathgar in Dublin.