Tributes paid to Potter, a theatre legend

Maureen Potter, the much-loved Dublin-born actor and comedian, died yesterday at her home in Clontarf, aged 79. The tributes to her were led by the President, Mrs McAleese, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, and the Minister for Arts, Mr O'Donoghue, as well as her many friends in showbusiness.

Maureen Potter spent most of her life on the stage she loved so much. She made her first professional appearance at the age of seven, when, as junior Irish dancing champion, she performed for a week in Derry's Colmcille Hall for a fee of 7s 6p. Her last public appearance was in January on a special Late Late Show to mark the 100th anniversary of the Abbey Theatre. In the years between, she became a household name through her many appearances in pantomime, cabaret, theatre and television. For generations of Irish people, Maureen Potter's performance in the annual Christmas pantomime was their first and unforgettable memory of a visit to the theatre.

She was the subject of a special Late Late tribute show in 1976, hosted by Gay Byrne. "All of showbusiness turned up for that show," Byrne said yesterday. "She was profoundly popular. The moment she appeared on any stage, you could feel the audiences' expectations waking up."

Her first "straight" role was as Maisie Madigan in Juno and the Paycock, alongside Donal McCann and John Kavanagh at the Gate in 1986. When her career in the physically demanding pantomimes ended in 1987 because of arthritis, she went on to play many more stage parts as a character actress.

Maureen Potter is survived by her husband Jack and their sons, John and Hugh.