Brendan Grace

An Irish comedian who got his start as a member of the Gingermen in the 1960s, Brendan Grace was also well-known as a humanitarian, championing a number of children's causes. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1952, Brendan Grace originally set upon the musical path to stardom with the aforementioned Gingermen. Part of the "showband era" in Irish pop music lore, the Gingermen found some success, but not as big as what Grace himself would ultimately achieve. Realizing his skills as an observational humorist when an anxious crowd and an unready Gingermen necessitated a distraction, Grace went on to become one of Ireland's leading comics and entertainers. He has appeared in a number of television shows, including one of his own creation, as well as the hit 1990s series Father Ted. In addition to stage and (small) screen, Grace has scored a number of Irish hit singles, and managed a U.K. number one with the single "Combine Harvester." He also had the rare opportunity of performing with Frank Sinatra on the singer's tour of Europe. Grace would eventually move to Florida with his family, although he would continue to make regular appearances in his own pub back in Dublin.