Ronnie Masterson (4 April 1926 – 10 February 2014) was an Irish actress whose career encompassed stage, radio, television and film. Born in Dublin, she became a familiar and respected presence in Irish theatre and later worked in screen productions as well. Over decades she developed a reputation for versatility, strong stage presence and steady contributions to the cultural life of Ireland.

Career and work

Masterson's professional life spanned many forms of acting. She performed in theatre productions ranging from classic plays to contemporary pieces, and she also appeared in television dramas and films. While exact early dates vary in public accounts, she was most active from the mid-20th century onward and remained involved in performance and production for many years. Her work was characteristic of Irish actors of her generation: rooted in stagecraft, open to radio and screen opportunities, and committed to supporting live theatre.

Old Quay Productions and later activities

Alongside performing, Masterson co-founded Old Quay Productions, a company created to develop and mount plays and to foster theatrical projects. Through that company she helped bring new and established works to Irish audiences and supported smaller-scale productions that might not otherwise have been staged. Her involvement in production reflected a broader interest in sustaining the professional theatre community.

Personal life and legacy

Masterson was married to actor Ray McAnally; their partnership included both family life and shared ties to the acting community. The couple had four children. Ray McAnally predeceased her in 1989; Masterson died on 10 February 2014 at the age of 87. She is remembered as a steady and reliable performer, a collaborator in theatre-making, and an elder figure in Irish dramatic arts.

  • Born: 4 April 1926, Dublin
  • Died: 10 February 2014
  • Occupations: stage, radio, television and film actress; theatre producer
  • Notable contribution: co-founder of Old Quay Productions
  • Further information: biographical and career summaries can be found in dedicated profiles and obituaries here

Her career illustrates the role of committed theatre professionals in mid- to late-20th-century Ireland: balancing performance with efforts to create and sustain production infrastructure, mentoring younger artists, and helping to maintain a national repertory of live drama. Today her name remains associated with that period of Irish stagecraft and with the collaborative spirit that kept local theatre active.