Richard Hayward (actor)
Richard Hayward was a British film actor, writer and musician.
Life and career
Born in Southport, Lancashire, his family moved to Northern Ireland when he was a baby. Hayward was an enthusiast for all Ulster regional popular culture. He was a member of the Orange Order, to which he dedicated much time. After a period working at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin he helped form the Belfast Repertory Theatre Company. He was a popular singer in the forties and fifties. His career meant he lived a typical theatrical lifestyle being constantly on the move.Hayward wrote a number of travel books about Ireland, exploring every county. He was closely associated with the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, serving as its president in 1951.
Death
He died after a road accident outside Ballymena, in October 1964.Selected filmography
Flame in the Heather – FassiefernThe Voice of Ireland The Early Bird – Daniel DuffThe Luck of the Irish – Sam MulhernShipmates o' Mine – Mike DooleyDevil's Rock – Sam MulhernIrish and Proud of It – Donogh O'ConnorA Night to Remember – Victualling OfficerHayward also wrote the screenplay of the musical drama Devil's Rock.
Selected books
He wrote a number of books, mostly topographical, about Ireland, including:- In praise of Ulster
- Where the Shannon flows
- Corrib Country
- In the Kingdom of Kerry
- Leinster and the city of Dublin
- Ulster and the City of Belfast
- Belfast through the ages
- Connacht and the city of Galway
- Story of the Irish Harp
- Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim & Roscommon
- ''Munster and the city of Cork''