Tributes to the Cork-born actor, comedian, television personality and theatre producer, Frank Twomey have been paid after it has been confirmed that he has died following an illness.

With a career spanning from the 1980s to the beginning of the 2020s, Twomey started his career on the RTÉ children’s show Bosco and then went on to work on Nighthawks, Fair City and Bull Island.

The actor may also be recognised for his recurring role on RTE’s Liveline as part of its “Funny Fridays” or when he made a cameo on the Young Offenders Christmas special five years ago.

He spent years as the Panto dame in the Everyman Palace Theatre in Cork as well as spending five years touring Ireland as part of the hugely successful Santa Ponsa trilogy of stage comedies.

In 2019, Twomey starred in a one-man show in Cork Arts Theatres called “Alone at Last”. He described it as “an ode to Bosco and his recovery from it.”

Tánaiste and Cork South Central TD Micheál Martin paid tribute to him saying he is “very sorry to hear of the passing of Frank Twomey”.

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Frank Twomey

A proud Cork man, Frank brought joy to many across generations with his work on Bosco, Bull Island, Nighthawk & on stage. Renowned for his sharp wit & humour, he was a versatile & brilliant performer

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 11, 2023

“A proud Cork man, Frank brought joy to many across generations with his work on Bosco, Bull Island, Nighthawk & on stage. Renowned for his sharp wit & humour, he was a versatile & brilliant performer,” the Tánaiste wrote on social media," he continued.

The Everyman Theatre took to X to say they "are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Twomey" calling him "A true Cork legend".

We are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Twomey. A true Cork legend, he appeared on our stage many times and will be fondly remembered as the much-loved dame in The Everyman and CADA’s Christmas Panto. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8mstd3i6hF

— The Everyman (@EverymanCork) December 11, 2023

Joe Duffy announced that RTÉ Liveline will be paying tribute to the “brilliant actor, comic and dear friend”.

We will be paying tribute on ⁦@rteliveline⁩ to the great Frank Twomey who unfortunately has passed away today. From Funny Friday, Bull island , and of course Bosco ⁦@rte⁩ ⁦@rtenews⁩ ⁦@thejournal_ie⁩ he was a brilliant actor comic and dear friend. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/fDWuTtjK0V

— JOE DUFFY (@joeliveline) December 11, 2023