Inside Bernard O'Shea's career and life as 'stay at home husband'
Bernard O’Shea is set to speak about being a ‘stay at home husband’ on the Late Late Show this Friday.
The comedian and radio presenter shares three children with his wife, Lorna — and he has previously spoken about being a ‘house husband’ and stay-at-home dad to his three kids.
One of the most beloved comedians in the country, Bernard’s credits include Republic of Telly, Bridget and Eamon, and a stint on Dancing with the Stars — and he’s set to bring his latest comedy tour, Desperate House Husband, around the country later this year.
Bernard O’Shea’s career
Bernard is best known for his tenure on the Republic of Telly, including his iconic character Bridget and Eamon alongside Jennifer Maguire. Pic: Cathal Burke/VIPIRELAND.COM
While Bernard has had a long career in Irish entertainment in one way or another, many would probably recognise him as one third of the Republic of Telly, alongside Dermot Whelan and Jennifer Maguire (Zamparelli).
Studying theatre in college, Bernard took to comedy well, appearing at the Montreal Just for Laughs festival in 2005 and the Kilkenny Cat Laughs festival twice, in 2005 and 2006.
Born in the midlands, Bernard first cut his teeth in radio — where he and John Colleary created the comedy series TJ and TJ on Today FM.
Republic of Telly, and Bridget & Eamon
Bernard was on the Republic of Telly for several seasons. Pic: RTE
Of course, many of us know him as one-third of the Republic of Telly crew, where he participated in many sketches, including his unrequited love for his co-host Jennifer Maguire/Zamparelli.
However, his most well-known character on the show would, no doubt, be Bridget and Eamon with Jennifer — the unhappily married couple from the 1980s that live in the Midlands with their children.
Initially a sketch show, Bridget and Eamon went on to have four seasons before ending in 2019.
As well as being on the telly, Bernard has also been a presenter on several radio stations, most notably Breakfast Republic on 2FM for five years.
He also wrote a bestselling book about married life, titled ‘My Wife is Married to a Feckin’ Eejit,’ and ‘Manopause.’
His family
Bernard married his wife, Lorna, and they have three children together. Pic:: Cathal Burke / VIPIRELAND.COM **IRISH RIGHTS ONLY**
Bernard married his wife, Lorna, when he was 30. An accountant by trade, Lorna and Bernard share three children together — Olivia, Tadgh, and Sean.
Speaking about raising three kids, Bernard said that fatherhood gave him a new bond with his mother, who gave great parenting advice — including how to keep the kids entertained.
‘On a practical level, she gave me this gem when the kids were small, and I was trying to get things done: provide them with a basin of water and some cups and tell them to “clean things,”‘ Bernard told RSVP last year.
‘It doesn’t always have to be deep or philosophical advice; sometimes the best advice is the simplest. That one got me through many a long day.’
Bernard brought his stand-up special, Desperate House Husband, on the road last year, and is set to add a few dates later this year and next year — with his show set to talk about the trials and tribulations of being a ‘stay at home dad,’ including domestic appliances with sinister intentions, a peaceful night’s rest, and covert playground reconnaissance operations.
Bernard will appear on the Late Late Show on Friday night to discuss life in Limerick with his wife and kids, being a desperate house husband, and how he’s gone viral on social media.
The Late Late Show will air on RTE 1 Television on Friday, April 10.
