Johnny Murphy

Johnny Murphy

Johnny Murphy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 23, 2016.
Johnny Murphy, an Irish actor who was known best for co-starring as Joey "The Lips" Fagan in the 1991 film adaptation of "The Commitments," has died of cancer, according to multiple news sources. Murphy, who died Monday, was 71.

A native of Dublin, Murphy already had made a name for himself as an actor in theater when Alan Parker cast him as trumpeter Joey Fagan in "The Commitments." Murphy was the only cast member who was not a musician. He took plenty of lessons to lend more credence to his acting performance.

He went on to appear in "Into the West," "Waiting for Godot," "Angela's Ashes" and "An Awfully Big Adventure."

Murphy also made regular acting appearances at the Gate Theatre in Ireland.

Maria Doyle Kennedy, one of Murphy's co-stars in "The Commitments," shared her condolences on Twitter.

"Johnny Murphy. Gentleman," she tweeted.

In another tweet, the Academy Award-winning Irish songwriter Glen Hansard, who also co-starred with Murphy and Kennedy in "The Commitments," praised Murphy as a "beautiful man" and "a true gent. Bless you Johnny."

The move was based on the original novel by Roddy Doyle. "The Commitments" was adapted as a musical for the theater before the motion picture adaptation.

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February 11, 2025

Glenda Ward posted to the memorial.

September 26, 2024

Tommy Gunn posted to the memorial.

August 20, 2023

Christopher Knight posted to the memorial.

31 Entries

Glenda Ward

February 11, 2025

God bless. May your horn sing in heaven!

Tommy Gunn

September 26, 2024

here I am watching a movie as good as any ever made, filled with unknown then stars now, great memories, grabbing us, making us go ah and laugh, alive, magical, always fresh, always superlative, because of the writing of Doyle, shepherding of Alan Parker, Maria Doyle belting it out, the granular noire of Dublin, so many wonderful ingredients and you sir, Johnny Murphy, as lips fagan, so great I had to drop out and find out what happened to you and when all is passed, including us, some will be able to pull this movie up and understand the magic made in what, 1990?

Christopher Knight

August 20, 2023

Johnny, your role in the Commitments was iconic as well as inspiring. The trumpet roles were done eloquently and right on brother! You shine! I love the movie because of you!
Rest In Peace brother!

March 1, 2016

Johnny Murphy was truly admired and loved as a human being and as an actor. His talent touched many and moved the hearts of others. My sincere condolences to the family for their loss. May the love, the strength, and comfort that our Heavenly Father grant to the ones who loss their loved ones, be also granted to you all to endure - while you cherish the great moments Johnny had with those he loved.

Dianne

February 26, 2016

Johnny Murphy is and always will be highly valued and greatly admired. Find comfort in knowing that he brought joy and much delight to the lives of many. My earnest desire is that God's love embraces and consoles the Murphy family during this time of sadness.

Psalms 55:22

February 26, 2016

To the Murphy Family,
You have my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. May our Heavenly Father hear your plead for comfort to sustain you during this most grievous time.

February 26, 2016

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love.

Dan

February 24, 2016

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Stan Hammersmith

February 24, 2016

I've enjoyed your music for a long time. Thanks for getting me through, you will be missed.

Harry Simpson

February 24, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

TH

February 24, 2016

To the Murphy Family, My heartfelt prayers go out for all the families and friends of such a talented and loved person. May the God of all comfort be with you as we await the promises of Isa 65:19 - "No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.

The Boyce family

February 24, 2016

Enjoyed both movies and especially his role
in "The Commitments"...it was a great
little movie...in fact I own it.
I found Angela's Ashes...compelling and touching and leaving one quite depressed.
RIP MR. Murphy.

Tom S

February 24, 2016

RIP "Lips"

Jane Dowling

February 24, 2016

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.

February 24, 2016

My condolences to The Murphy Family. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together with John. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.

February 24, 2016

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

anna mckeon

February 24, 2016

RIP Johnny

February 24, 2016

I am truly sorry for your loss. May God give you strength during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

February 24, 2016

In God's care, rest in peace.

Triad / Mc

David J Bhaltazhar Esq

February 24, 2016

Sherrie

February 24, 2016

Rest in peace and thank you for your talented acting in one of my favorite movies. Prayers to your family and friends.

Bill Collins

February 23, 2016

My wife and I were talking about "The Commitments" just last night. Tonight I read the obit for Mr. Murphy.
Loved his humor and compassion in spite of all the
bewilderment he faced in that film. I'm sure he was the same off-screen! So sad to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family!

February 23, 2016

My deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Mr. Murphy.

Psalms 37:11

February 23, 2016

Juan .3.16.es el sacrifisio para toda la humanidad

Jamie Ortiz

February 23, 2016

We are truly sorry for his death he was a great actor and very brave person for surving all the time he did . May God help his family and remember James 1:13 my sincere condolences

February 23, 2016

Thank you for your talents Mr. Murphy.

Sheila

February 23, 2016

God bless.

Adrian Barnette

February 23, 2016

We'll miss you !

Mavis

February 23, 2016

Thank you for sharing your talent, it was a gift from God. James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning."

Jobi Robson

February 23, 2016

Great Actor, Played a great part in "The Commitments" as Joey "The Lips" Fagan. Rest In Peace. one of My Favorite OST's and I Have Both Volumes.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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Sign Johnny Murphy's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 11, 2025

Glenda Ward posted to the memorial.

September 26, 2024

Tommy Gunn posted to the memorial.

August 20, 2023

Christopher Knight posted to the memorial.