'Home Alone' star Brenda Fricker dies at 81 after celebrated film and TV career

Brenda Fricker the Oscar-winning Irish actress best known for My Left Foot and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York has died at the age of 81.

The news was confirmed by her agent Phil Belfield who paid tribute to the acclaimed actress in a heartfelt statement.

"We will never see her like again and the world is lesser for the lack of her," Belfield said.

He added "I was honoured to know, love and work with her and she will always have a place in my heart and in the heart of so many film and TV fans the world over."

Born in Dublin Fricker began acting in the 1960s appearing in Irish television before landing roles in Coronation Street, Licking Hitler, and later becoming one of the original cast members of BBC medical drama Casualty in 1986.

She played nurse Megan Roach returning to the series several times before her final appearance in 2010.

Fricker made history in 1990 when she became the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as the mother of Daniel Day-Lewis' Christy Brown in My Left Foot.

"What did happen was the old curse of the Oscars, as they call it," she said explaining that she was often typecast and overlooked for other opportunities.

"So there's a lot that's not great about an Oscar. And you don't get any money. They could give you a few bob with it, at least," she joked.

In her memoir published last year Fricker spoke candidly about the abuse and trauma she experienced growing up including childhood grooming and se*ual assault while also reflecting on the unexpected path that led her to an acclaimed acting career.

"It's all been luck... happy accidents," she said.