Fair play to TV soap star Edward (90)

EXTRA, extra… a 90-year-old Southsider is proving it’s never too late to become a TV star.

Edward Quinn, who lives in Goatstown, is celebrating becoming Ireland's oldest extra.

Last year, Edward's wife Oonagh sadly passed away and as a new lease of life, he was encouraged to become an extra to occupy his time. Now Edward, who has just turned 90, is a regular on the set of Fair City, featuring in scenes all over Carrigstown. 

The popular Irish TV drama turns 30 this year, having been first broadcast on RTÉ in 1989.

It is also celebrating another milestone this year too, as it is home to Ireland’s oldest extra.

Edward started working on Fair City through MovieExtras.ie as it was initially suggested that it might be a way to keep himself busy and help with the loss of his wife.

But Edward is now a regular on the show and has been on set nearly every two weeks.

Before retirement, Edward, who grew up in Cork Street, was a quantity surveyor and had no experience in TV or film at all. Recently he got to be part of the Christmas episodes and had his brother, Vincent who is 83, join him on set for one of the day’s filming to experience the excitement and fun of being on a film set. 

Edward, speaking on the milestone, said: “It is fantastic to be involved in Fair City and experience something I have been watching for the last 30 years. I heard about the opportunity of being an extra through MovieExtras.ie and they are the ones that put me forward and it’s has been a blast. 

I feel like I am part of the Fair City family, I’ve made some great friends and it’s all quite exciting.”

He went on to say: “I thought at 89 when my wife sadly passed, there would not have been much for me to do but I now have a new lease of life being an extra, which is great fun and can suit anybody at any stage of their life, young or old.

“I’m only sorry I didn’t do this decades ago. I am still waiting for them to offer me a leading part!”

The Fair City Casting Manager at MoviesExtras.ie Debbie Byrne, spoke highly of Edward.

“He is a gentleman and much loved by everyone on the set,” she said. “We wish he had made the decision to become an extra years ago. It is great fun and very exciting. I think everyone gets a huge buzz watching themselves on screen.

“You can also earn some additional money by just being a part of these shows. We are always looking for people, young and old to sign up and maybe we will find the next Edward.

“Being an extra with MovieExtras.ie is the easiest way for anyone to get involved in the magic of TV and film with no experience required.”