Irish Cultural Center
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-258-0109 www.azirish.org

BIOGRAPHY: Marian Tomas Griffin

Born in New York City and raised in County Mayo, Ireland, Marian Tomas Griffin has been a part of the New York music, theatre and film scene for the past 8 years.

As a member of the Irish Repertory Theatre Marian made her debut in Frank McCourt's The Irish and How They Got That Way. Time Out Magazine called her the most talented of the lot and John Simon of New York Magazine said Marian, who acts, sings and plays several instruments, besides looking like a more delicate Maureen O'Hara, I simply lost my heart to. At the Irish Repertory Theatre Marian also appeared in The Shaughran and she has had the honor of appearing on Broadway for the past 5 years as part of the Irish Repertory Gala Benefit on Broadway with such stars as Gabriel Bryne, Sinead Cusak, Tate Donovan, Eric Stoltz, Angela Lansbury, Liam Neeson, Vanessa Redgrave, Milo O'Shea, Frances Sternhagan and Kevin Spacey.

On screen Marian has worked with Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford in Columbia Picture's The Devil's Own, in Nye Heron's Sax & Violins and the soon to be released Days of Darkness. Marian starred in CBS’ As The World Turns (Mary Mennihan) and in 2004, appeared as Typhoid Mary in the Emmy-nominated “Most Dangerous Woman in America” on PBS.

As lead singer and guitarist with many traditional Irish bands including Aisling Eire or as a solo performer Marian has entertained audiences all over New York City at venues like Tir Na Nog, Fitzer's, Tommy Makem's, Fibber McGee's, Paddy Reilly's and the Guinness Fleadh to name just a few.

Her first CD Tales Of Erin released in 1998 featured the single Angela's Smile inspired by Frank McCourt's Pulitzer prize winning memoir Angela's Ashes. When Conor McCourt approached Marian to provide a song for his documentary The McCourt's of Limerick which aired on Cinemax in March 1998, he had no idea of the phenomenal reaction Angela's Smile would bring. The first national exposure of this song was Marian's appearance with Frank McCourt on CBS's Off-Tenth. Her second CD Downtown Monday Night was released in March 2002. In December 2006 Marian starred in Kerry Records production of AN IRISH CHRISTMAS at the 2,000 seat Marsee Auditorium, El Camino College, Torrance.

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