The man who played Murphy on the television show was born in Ireland but moved to England as a child. He received his degree at University College London and then worked as an actor for several years before landing a role on the TV series. He is one of many well-known British actors to have British citizenship. He has two children. In this article he talks about his roots in Ireland and how he came to be an actor in Hollywood.
I’m from Belfast and my dad was from Derry. We used to go out for nights and he used to bring me home in a new suit and tie every night. My mother would cook me curries and potatoes and I would eat them and cry the night away. My sister and I used to get the milk to drink out of a bottle. Dad used to always take care of me and my brother.
My best friend on the show was Jon Heder. He is a wonderful actor and a very nice guy. He played Murphy’s best friend in the show called Lenny. He is Irish. I can remember him as one of the guys who used to get busted up with by the IRA.
In the U.S. we have a lot of Irish people. We have many musicians too. Michael Collins Band, Joe Strummer, The O’Jays, The Knack and many more. My uncle is a lawyer and my aunt is a hairdresser. My other cousins are all lawyers. So I got my start in Hollywood, doing something that I really enjoy and it has given me my life’s passion.
I’ve been to New York and L.A. Many times. They are really tough places to go if you are from a smaller town though. I’m not from a small town and I really like that. I like to go to big cities and be part of the show business wherever I can fit in.
I just happen to be in London at the right time for a promotion and got to meet the co-creators of King of the Hill. Someone I care about and someone with a vision. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting the man who created King of the Hill, let me say hello. You’re a pretty good photographer too.
When I got home I started doing research. That’s where I found out about this man, Oliver Roosevelt. He was a childhood friend and became an important political figure. I read some of his books and really liked his style. He always had a way of making people feel like they were important. He was always looking to serve the common person.
He had a lot of respect for ordinary people. He had lots of things to talk about and was always willing to try new things. He knew what he was talking about.