Newfoundland writer, actor, historian Paul O’Neill dies at 84

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Paul O’Neill, a Newfoundland-born actor, writer and historian, has died at the age of 84.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government issued a statement Wednesday offering their condolences on O’Neill’s death.

Terry French, minister of tourism, culture and recreation, says O’Neill was an icon who will be greatly missed in the province’s arts and culture community.

The statement says O’Neill was born in St. John’s and studied theatre in New York before launching a radio career with the CBC in the 1950s, where he produced a number of radio and television shows.

An accomplished writer, O’Neill also authored plays, poems and books, including “The Oldest City,” an extensive history of St. John’s.

O’Neill was the founding president of the province’s writer’s guild and a recipient of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

(VOCM)