Neil Fitzgerald, the son of a member of Parliament, James Fitzgerald, was born on January 15, 1892, in the picturesque town of Emly, located in County Limerick, Ireland. His early years were marked by a strong educational foundation, as he pursued a degree in pharmacy at Trinity College Dublin.
However, Fitzgerald's true passion lay elsewhere. He was drawn to the world of theater, and his stage debut in "Leave Her to Heaven" on February 27, 1940, marked the beginning of a illustrious career. Over the years, he appeared in numerous Irish plays on Broadway, solidifying his reputation as a talented thespian.
Fitzgerald's impressive resume includes a Drama Critics Circle Award nomination in 1972 for his role as the doctor in Edward Albee's "All Over." His extensive filmography includes a notable appearance in John Ford's classic "The Informer" in 1935, where he played the role of Tommy Connor.
Throughout his lifetime, Fitzgerald graced the small screen with numerous television credits, cementing his status as a versatile and accomplished actor. George Bernard Shaw, a renowned playwright, once prophesied that Fitzgerald would "do better with greasepaint than with blood," a testament to his natural talent and dedication to his craft.