Thomas Hopkins, the Dublin actor who played Carrigstown corner shop owner Christy Phelan on the soap opera Fair City across 74 episodes, has died, passing surrounded by his family.
Seventy-Four Episodes in Carrigstown
Hopkins portrayed Christy Phelan from 1998 until 2014. His character ran the local corner shop in Carrigstown before departing the long-running serial following a heart attack storyline. During his 16 years on the soap opera, Phelan’s central plots included health struggles, romantic trysts with local publican Carol Foley, and his separation from his wife Renee.
The Dublin native secured the television role after leaving a career in the civil service to return to education as a mature student studying drama at Trinity College Dublin. Before his acting career on screen, Hopkins performed in a 1970s band named The Utopians.
Tom Hopkins, who played Fair City's Christy Phelan, has died https://t.co/n25ObLkHIg @faircityfans @DeirdreMon5 @HildaFay18 @SineadKeenan @denisemcactress RIP Tom Hopkins. He also was in Custers Last Stand Up too.
Auditioning After a Supermarket Commercial
Hopkins described how he transitioned into professional acting during a previous interview. Professional actors told him about an open audition for a supermarket advertisement while he was still studying at Trinity College.
It went on screen in May and two weeks after that the producer of Fair City at the time called me up and asked me to audition,
Hopkins said of landing the role.
Actor Thomas 'Tom' Hopkins, who played Fair City's Christy Phelan, has died.The Dubliner played the role of the Carrigstown corner shop's owner in 74 episodes of the show from 1998 to 2014 https://t.co/k5SfSlkpJK
Hopkins passed away on Monday while in the care of staff at Carechoice Step Down Facility and St James’s Hospital, according to his funeral notice. He is survived by his wife Tina, his four sons Anthony, John, Wayne, and Lee, alongside his grandchildren and extended family members.
Mourners have been asked to direct any memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in his memory.
Common Questions Regarding Thomas Hopkins and Fair City
When did Thomas Hopkins appear on Fair City?
Thomas Hopkins appeared on the soap opera as Christy Phelan across 74 episodes from 1998 to 2014.
What were Christy Phelans major storylines on the soap?
His notable storylines included running the Carrigstown corner shop, his separation from his wife Renee, his relationships with publican Carol Foley, and his character’s exit following a heart attack.
Where should donations be sent in his memory?
According to his funeral notice, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
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