Richard Hayward played a significant role in the cultural landscape of Ireland in the middle decades of the 20th century. For forty years he was a pivotal figure as a travel writer, singer and actor, and was well-known all over the country. He moved easily between the parallel worlds of filmmaking, the theatre, singing, broadcasting and writing, and his life touched many people. Sadly, he was killed in a car accident in 1964. 

Richard Hayward was an energetic actor, producer, singer, songwriter, broadcaster, and author. He sought to highlight Northern Ireland as it was, with a focus on local accents, songs and landscape. The Cinematograph Films Act of 1927 provided incentive for low budget local films to be made called 'quota quickies'. This gave Hayward the opportunity to delve into the world of filmmaking. He lived up to his mantra ‘Irish players for Irish parts,’ casting actors that spoke with authentic Ulster accents. The act effectively ended in 1938 and with it Hayward’s feature film aspirations. However through his efforts and love of Ulster, the film industry of Northern Ireland was born.  

On the opening night of Ulster Television, 31 October 1959, Sir Laurence Olivier introduced Richard Hayward as “Ireland’s son with the minstrel hand.” He handed over to him to present the first programme ‘Talks of Ulster’, and Hayward sang and played one of his own songs. He also recorded a series in 1964 for UTV called “Looking Back”.  

An Ulster Television Production.

• Broadcasting Authority Ireland