Sad farewell to actress and food writer Biddy (72)
MUCH-LOVED actress and food writer Biddy White Lennon sadly passed away, after a battle with illness, on Saturday, November 25.
The 72-year old Dublin native lived in Boley Lower in Camolin for many years and is fondly remembered for her starring role as Maggie Riordan in RTÉ TV drama ‘The Riordans’ more than 30 years ago and, most recently, for hosting the Great Irish Bake Off on TV3 in 2013 and 2014. ‘The Riordans’ was a household favourite in living rooms across the country between 1965 and 1979.
As well as being an accomplished actress, Biddy was highly regarded in the culinary world and was often spotted judging for the Best Pot of Jam for Gorey Market House Festival and for the All Ireland Farmers Market with Jimmy Gahan during the Strawberry Festival in Enniscorthy.
‘She was highly respected within the community,’ said Jimmy. ‘She always gave up her time generously for food workshops and cookery demonstrations.’ Jimmy also said Biddy was a very approachable person and an excellent conversationalist, and said ‘it was a great pleasure to work alongside her.’
She joined the members of Yes Equality Wexford in their campaign for a Yes vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum and was on board the Yes Equality bus in 2015 as it rolled into the county, stopping in Enniscorthy, Gorey and Wexford Town.
Meanwhile, she released a book called Wild Food in 2013, the same year she first appeared on the Great Irish Bake Off on TV3. The book revealed the secrets of how to identify, pick, preserve and cook wild food which grow in hedgerows, woodlands, hillsides and seashores.
Tributes have poured in since the news of her death broke, with kind words from well-known broadcasters, chefs and actors.
Hollywood star Gabriel Byrne worked with Biddy on ‘The Riordans’ during his early acting days and played a man with whom Maggie Riordan had an affair with.
‘I know people say it is the end of an era,’ said Gabriel. ‘It is the passing of somebody who was deeply loved by people who didn’t just know her as an actor but also knew her as a food writer.’
RTÉ and Newstalk broadcaster Norah Casey said she was ‘devastated to hear that the beautiful and passionate Biddy White Lennon has left us. She was an amazing inspiration.’
Cchef Neven Maguire paid his respects, describing her as a ‘true lady’ and an ‘ambassador’ for food producers.
Biddy is predeceased by her husband Denis Latimer who passed away over the Christmas period last year and is survived by her son Dairse.