Malachy McCourt, a renowned figure, entered the world in Brooklyn, New York, where his parents resided at the time, and spent his early years in Limerick, Ireland. Despite struggling in school, he excelled in English and recess, a peculiar combination.
In 1952, he returned to the United States and embarked on a series of unconventional careers, including longshoreman, dishwasher, and laborer. Shortly after, he transitioned into the world of acting and went on to establish the first singles bar in America.
Malachy's tumultuous radio career began in 1970 on WNYC, WMCA, and WBAI, where he was known for his outrageous, opinionated, and often controversial views. His fiery personality earned him a reputation as a "disgrace to the Irish," a label that, quite frankly, was well-deserved.
Aside from brief stints on WABC, WOR, and WNYC, Malachy's radio career was marked by frequent firings and tumultuous relationships with his employers. Despite this, he continued to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry.
On stage, Malachy appeared in a range of productions, including "DA," "The Hostage," "Mass Appeal," "Inherit the Wind," and "A Child's Christmas in Wales." His television credits include semi-regular appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar" and "The Jack Paar Program," as well as roles in soap operas like "Ryan's Hope" and "One Life to Live."
Malachy's screen credits are equally impressive, with notable roles in films like "She's the One," "The Devil's Own," "Reversal of Fortune," "Green Card," "The Field," and "The Molly Maguires." He also appeared in several made-for-TV movies and later starred in Edward Burns's "Ash Wednesday" and "The Guru."
In addition to his acting career, Malachy is a published author, with his memoir "A Monk Swimming" reaching the best-seller lists in the United States, Europe, and Australia. His second book, "Singing My Him Song," was published in 2000 by HarperCollins.
Malachy has also collaborated with his brother, Frank McCourt, to develop and perform in the play "A Couple of Blaguards," which has been produced throughout the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In his personal life, Malachy is happily married to Diana and is the proud father of five and grandfather of three. He currently resides in New York City, where he writes a weekly column for The West Side Spirit titled "Sez I To Myself."
