Documentary on one of Ireland's greatest actors to air on Christmas Day

A documentary on one of Ireland's greatest actors is set to air on Christmas Day. 

Cyril Cusack's long 75-year career began in the early days of Irish silent cinema and saw him conquer stage, screen and television with appearances in over 130 movie and TV shows. 

Beginning with his screen debut at the age of 8 in one of the first films ever shot in Ireland, the silent classic Knocknagow, the documentary goes on to look at his performances alongside James Mason in Odd Man Out, Richard BUrton in The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Edward Fox in The Day of the Jackal, as well as classics like 1984, Harold and Maude, Fahrenheit 451 and My Left Foot. 

The documentary also looks at his remarkable stage career in plays such as The Playboy of the Western World, The Plough and the Stars, and famously Three Sisters, in which he appeared alongside his three daughters. 

Interviewees include all of his children, Paul Cusack, Pádraig Cusack, Sinéad Cusack, Sorcha Cusack, Niamh Cusack and Catherine Cusack, as well as his son-in-law Jeremy Irons, actors Stephen Rea, Máire Ní Ghráinne and Bríd Ní Neachtain, and directors Bob Quinn and Jim Sheridan. 

Jeremy Irons said of Cyril: "He had the art of making the audience watch him and never being quite sure of what he was thinking or going to do but knowing that there was something up. It was an honour to know him.”

Jim Sheridan, who directed him in MY LEFT FOOT said, "He changed the style of acting in the Abbey. Soft, gentle stiletto acting, like acting with a stiletto knife that could scur you in a second. So, while he was gentle, there was a kind of wispy danger to him.” 

His daughter Sinéad recalls his disdain for directors. She said, "I don’t think Dad ever saw the need for directors. I think he put his faith in the text and the actors' ability to make sense of it.” 

Featuring rare family photos, exclusive interviews with his six children and the greatest moments from his long career, this documentary is the definitive portrait of one of Ireland's finest actors. 

The documentary airs on Christmas Day/ Lá Nollaig on TG4 at 9.30pm.