International Society for Excellence in Christian Film & Television

CFT Excellence Awards for 2001

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Winner
of the 2001 CFT Excellence Award


Niall Toibin

Best Actor in a Television Series

Upon leaving the Radio Eireann Players, Niall Toibin began a distinguished tenure at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin becoming indisputably one of Ireland's greatest stage actors. Niall has captivated theater audiences from the London National to Broadway. He virtually “owns” the role of Irish playwright, Brendan Behan having starred in several productions of the Borstal Boy including its debut in New York. That production won both the Tony and the New York Drama Critics Circle awards for the season and Niall walked away with the Drama Desk Award for his own outstanding performance. Back home in Ireland, Niall was presented with the Sunday Independent Irish Life special award for "Distinguished Service to the Theatre."


In 1969, Niall Toibin was cast in MGM’s critically acclaimed film,
Ryan’s Daughter and now has almost forty feature films under his belt. Niall Toibin played opposite Richard Burton in Tristan and Isolda and starred in the award-winning film, Poitin which was acted entirely in the Irish language. Under the direction of Ron Howard, Niall stole the show with his comical portrayal of Tom Cruise’ father in Far and Away.

Equally comfortable with comedy and drama, Niall has become a staple of British and Irish television with strong ties to RTE, ITN and the BBC. His skillful use of accents and dialects make him one of Europe’s most versatile actors. Niall has starred in several successful television series including The Irish RM, Stay Lucky, Bracken, Brideshead Revisited and now Ballykissangel.

Niall Toibin, pronounced “kneel toe-bean,” married Judy Kenny in 1957. They raised five children together and before her death in June 2002, were blessed with five grandchildren. Grandchild number six has been named Francis Jude to honour his grandmother, Judy.

Niall lends both his financial help and his influence to children’s charities through Ireland’s Variety Club. In 1980, he was named Variety’s Entertainer of the Year. He also supports the church, the cancer society, the Special Olympics, the Institute of Molecular Medicine in Dublin, and the Yellow Ribbon campaign for Cerebral Palsy Ireland among other charities too numerous to mention.

“Bless me, Father. It’s been two weeks since my last confession.”

“I was disrespectful to my superior; I was short-tempered with my subordinate . . . even though he had it coming to him.”

(he had it coming!?)

“Father Sheehan?”

Father MacAnally
Ballykissangel

Niall Toibin as Father Mac in Ballykissangel

Niall Toibin Official Web Site

Awards Ceremony
details and pictures

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2001 Nominees

Irish Actor Niall Toibin
CFT Excellence Award for Best Actor

Irish Actor Niall Toibin wins 2001 CFT Excellence Award for Best Actor in a Television Series. Neal Toibin, Neil Tobin, Niall Toibin. Kneel tobin. Ballykissangel winner of the CFT Excellence award for best television series. Irish actor, Niall Toibin plays Father Frank MacAnally in the hit series Ballykissangel. Irish Actor, Niall Toibin wins Best Actor Award announced June 2002. BBC Northern Ireland hit series Ballykissangel. Niall Toibin, one of Europes finest actors.