Legendary comedian and singer Geraldine Doyle dies at the age of 76 after a long battle with cancer

Irish-born legendary comedian and singer Geraldine Doyle died peacefully at her home on May 29 at the age of 76 after a long battle with cancer.

After her first cancer diagnosis in 2009, the disease tragically returned seven years ago.

Doyle is a strong advocate of dying with dignity and decided to end her suffering through voluntary euthanasia.

Doyle was born in 1948 and grew up in a large Catholic family in Dublin with her famous brother, Irish folk singer Danny Doyle.

She first gained recognition as a singer before emigrating to Australia with her husband and son in the early 1970s.

In Australia, Doyle quickly established herself as a quick-witted comedian and became a popular television fixture with regular appearances on The Mike Walsh Show, Midday with Ray Martin and The Kerri-Anne Kennerley Show.

Her sharp humour and engaging stage presence earned her seven Australian Entertainment Mo Awards, including Best Stand-Up Comedian in Australia in the first year in which both male and female comedians competed for the title.

She had previously won awards for “Best Comedian” and “Best Versatile Actress”.

Doyle also made history as the first woman to host the Annual Premier’s Concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

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In 1987, she was the focus of an ABC special called “Funny Job For A Woman,” which was part of the television series “A Big Country.”

Doyle’s career has been marked by extensive tours of Australia, the USA and Canada as well as headlining appearances on cruise ships.

In 1990, Doyle published a book called You Wouldn’t Read About It!, a collection of stories and anecdotes from her eventful career.

The artist was married to her husband Paddy Fitzpatrick, who was also her manager for almost 50 years.