Marie Kean (27 June 1918 – 29 December 1993) was an Irish stage and screen actress, with a career spanning over 40 years,[1] The Stage called her one of Ireland's most impressive actresses, and "an artist of considerable emotional depth and theatrical command.

[5] Among her other television roles was that of Mrs. Conn Brickley, Bridget's mother, in an episode of the Irish RM titled "The Boat's Share".

[6] Kean's many stage appearances include performances in the plays of Synge, O'Casey and Friel.

She had the lead role of Maggie Polpin in the 1969 world première of John B. Keane's play Big Maggie at the Cork Opera House[7] In 1978 she won the State of New York best actress award for her performance in what has become Keane's most successful play.

[6] Her final movie appearance was in John Huston's The Dead (1987), in which she played the part of Mrs.