Frank Carson

Irish comedian, known worldwide for his infectious laugh and catchphrase, "It’s the way I tell ’em." Carson was raised in a tenement house on Great Patrick Street, one of five children. One of his sisters died as an infant, and he says his dad drank too much. He vividly recalls an incident that occurred when he was just ten years old. Standing before a shop window, he watched his reflection and told himself, "one day you’re going to be famous." He attended St. Patrick’s school, but the headmasters were ‘tough,’ and so he dropped out at age 14. He began working at a local bookseller’s shop on Saturdays when he was 12 earning pocket money, and eventually joined a minstrel troupe at the Belfast Newsboys Club. As a result, he was asked to perform at local events, but his first real break came when he was chosen to participate in Ivor Mill’s variety show on UTV. As funny off-stage as he is on-stage, Carson has a forceful personality that adds to the hilarity of his gags. He speaks incessantly and uncontrollably, chattering away with everyone and anyone, and if no one is around, he carries on a conversation with himself. At times he says things without thinking first, but he can be circumspect when he wants to, and does not get into politics. Always polite to his fans, he often puts on an impromptu sketch for them, wherever he might be. He has played the London Palladium and the casinos of Las Vegas, Nevada, and has traveled around the world, something he enjoys because he meets all sorts of people. Carson, who says he has no plans to retire, has bookings scheduled well into 2001. A devout Catholic, he says his views are based on his faith. He has had an audience with the Pope, who gave him an award for the extensive charity work he has done over the years, and Cardinal Winning of Scotland is a friend. Carson was mayor of Balbriggan, Ireland, a position he sought because he felt morally obligated to get involved with his community. Carson died on 22 February 2012, aged 85, at his Blackpool home. He was survived by his wife, Ruth (who died in 2015, aged 87) his daughter Majella, and his sons Tony and Aidan, in addition to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Link to Wikipedia biography