Irish-born comedian and singer Geraldine Doyle dies following cancer battle

Irish-born comedian and singer Geraldine Doyle has passed away following her battle with cancer, it was confirmed on Monday.

Initially diagnosed with the illness in 2009, Geraldine’s cancer sadly returned back in 2017.

It was confirmed in a statement on Monday morning that Geraldine, 76, died peacefully at home on May 29 with the assistance of Voluntary Assisted Dying.

The statement read: ‘She was irrepressible, very funny and fiercely protective of a woman’s right to her place as an equal in what was a very competitive, male-dominated entertainment industry and in the wider world.

‘An American theatre critic once opened a review of Geraldine’s performance with: “Geraldine Doyle is a dangerous woman. When she turns on her comedy, nothing – absolutely nothing – is safe”.

‘Her comedy sprang from her acute observations of the world around her and nobody was safe, not even her beloved husband Paddy Fitzpatrick, who managed her career for almost 50 years.’

It continued: ‘A staunch advocate of Dying With Dignity, she fought a long battle with cancer that had returned seven years ago after her initial diagnosis back in 2009.

‘With the help of Voluntary Assisted Dying, Geraldine Doyle passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 29.’

Born in 1948 in Dublin, Geraldine rose to fame in her home country before emigrating to Australia and becoming a household name across the world.

Turning her attention to comedy, Geraldine appeared on shows such as The Mike Walsh Show, Midday with Ray Martin and the Kerri-Anne Kennerley Show. 

Winning seven Australian Entertainment Mo Awards, Geraldine was the first woman to win the Best Stand-up Comic in Australia award.

Geraldine was married to her manager Paddy Fitzpatrick for nearly 50 years.