Write what makes you laugh

“If you are writing comedy and try to please everybody, you'll please nobody.” – Brendan O'Carroll
 

Born in September 1955, O’Carroll is an Irish writer, producer, comedian, actor, and director, best known for portraying the comedic matriarch Agnes Brown on stage, and in the BBC television sitcom Mrs. Brown's Boys.  He originally wrote the part for a woman, but when the actress didn’t show up for opening stage show, he quickly donned dressed up as an old woman and was an instant hit.

 

While not autobiographical, per se’, O’Carroll’s character takes elements out of the writer’s childhood in Ireland when he and his 10 siblings were raised by their widowed mother after their father died when Brendan was still a young child. Brendan's mother raised the children with little money, lots of love and a sharp tongue – something he successfully conveys in the show.  

 

“You write what makes you laugh, and you hope that the audience agree,” O’Carroll said about his writing success.  “ So far they do.”                

               This summer he started a new series, All Round to Mrs. Brown’s, a comedy talk show with guests joining the actors from the previous years at Mrs. Brown’s house.   While O’Carroll has had both accolades and criticism for his writing, he said his advice to comedy writers is to do what they know best.

“Anyone who thinks they can write the perfect comedy that everyone will love is a fool. I can only write what I think is funny and hope that there is a like minded audience out there.”

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