Fay, William George (1872-1947)

Irish actor born in Dublin. With his brother Frank Fay (1870-1931), he founded the company that in 1904 took up residence in the Abbey Theatre, Dublin. He was largely responsible for the subtlety and poetic style of its acting, producing many of its early plays himself.

Both actors were extremely versatile in their work, William concentrating more on comedy, Frank on verse speaking. They left the company in 1908, after a disagreement with the directors.

Frank later settled in Dublin as a teacher of elocution, but William continued as an actor and producer in London, the English provinces, and the USA. He also had a successful career in films. His memoirs appeared in The Fays of the Abbey Theatre in 1935.