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{{short description|Irish boxer and singer}}
{{short description|Irish boxer and singer}}
{{other people}}
{{other people}}
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{{more citations needed|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox boxer
{{Infobox boxer
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'''Joseph "Jack" Doyle''' (31 August 1913 – 13 December 1978), known as "'''The Gorgeous Gael'''", was an Irish boxer, actor, and a [[tenor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba5912f5b|title=Jack Doyle|publisher=}}</ref> He was born Joseph Doyle and known to his friends as Joe but changed it to Jack when starting his professional career.<ref name="irishrollcall.com">http://irishrollcall.com/2010/04/jack-doyle-the-gorgeous-gael/</ref> At one time or another, Doyle was a contender for the British Boxing Championship.
'''Joseph "Jack" Doyle''' (31 August 1913 – 13 December 1978), known as "'''The Gorgeous Gael'''", was an Irish boxer, actor, and a [[tenor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba5912f5b|title=Jack Doyle}}</ref> He was born Joseph Doyle and known to his friends as Joe but changed it to Jack when starting his professional career.<ref name="irishrollcall.com">http://irishrollcall.com/2010/04/jack-doyle-the-gorgeous-gael/</ref> At one time or another, Doyle was a contender for the British Boxing Championship.


==Early years==
==Early years==
Doyle was born into a working-class family in Cobh, in [[County Cork]], Ireland in 1913. At six feet five inches, he was good with his fists and in 1929, joined the [[Irish Guards]] regiment of the [[British Army]] based in Wales.
Doyle was born into a working-class family in Cobh, in [[County Cork]], Ireland in 1913. At six feet five inches, he was good with his fists and in 1929, joined the [[Irish Guards]] regiment of the [[British Army]] based in Wales.


There he excelled at boxing and was famed for his strong hooks that won him the British Army Championship. A record of 28 straight victories, 27 by knockout, brought him to the attention of promoter Dan Sullivan. He turned professional and notched up 10 consecutive victories, all inside two rounds, making him the hottest thing in the sport.<ref name=irishexaminer>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/jack-doyle-the-tragic-tale-of-the-gorgeous-gael-241263.html|title=Jack Doyle: The tragic tale of the Gorgeous Gael|date=29 August 2013|publisher=}}</ref>
There he excelled at boxing and was famed for his strong hooks that won him the British Army Championship. A record of 28 straight victories, 27 by knockout, brought him to the attention of promoter Dan Sullivan. He turned professional and notched up 10 consecutive victories, all inside two rounds, making him the hottest thing in the sport.<ref name=irishexaminer>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/jack-doyle-the-tragic-tale-of-the-gorgeous-gael-241263.html|title=Jack Doyle: The tragic tale of the Gorgeous Gael|date=29 August 2013}}</ref>


In July 1933, at the age of 19, he missed out on the British Heavyweight title to the holder, Welshman, [[Jack Petersen (boxer)|Jack Petersen]]. Witnesses claim that he had done most of his warming up in a pub not far from the bout. Within the opening seconds he knew he was in trouble and decided to take the easy way out. He was disqualified for repeatedly punching low.<ref name="irishrollcall.com"/>
In July 1933, at the age of 19, he missed out on the British Heavyweight title to the holder, Welshman, [[Jack Petersen (boxer)|Jack Petersen]]. Witnesses claim that he had done most of his warming up in a pub not far from the bout. Within the opening seconds he knew he was in trouble and decided to take the easy way out. He was disqualified for repeatedly punching low.<ref name="irishrollcall.com"/>
Line 38: Line 38:
Shortly after, his singing voice was discovered by Dr. Vincent O'Brien, voice coach to [[Count John McCormack]] and soon his soft tenor voice and handsome looks were selling out the London Palladium and the Royal in Dublin. Doyle was subsequently signed up by Decca.
Shortly after, his singing voice was discovered by Dr. Vincent O'Brien, voice coach to [[Count John McCormack]] and soon his soft tenor voice and handsome looks were selling out the London Palladium and the Royal in Dublin. Doyle was subsequently signed up by Decca.


In 1934 Doyle travelled to the United States and several [[Gramophone record|78rpm records]] were produced including the popular "[[South of the Border (1939 song)|''South of the Border'']]" a duet recorded with his then wife [[Movita Castaneda|Movita]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11420588/Movita-Castaneda-actress-obituary.html|title=Movita Castaneda, actress - obituary|date=18 February 2015|publisher=|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> But his love for the drink and generous nature soon started to take its toll on his health.
In 1934 Doyle travelled to the United States and several [[Gramophone record|78rpm records]] were produced including the popular "[[South of the Border (1939 song)|''South of the Border'']]" a duet recorded with his then wife [[Movita Castaneda|Movita]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11420588/Movita-Castaneda-actress-obituary.html|title=Movita Castaneda, actress - obituary|date=18 February 2015|work=The Telegraph}}</ref> But his love for the drink and generous nature soon started to take its toll on his health.


==America==
==America==
In America he carried on his high living of gambling, women and drink. His good looks and deep pockets opened up the party circuit to him and he starred in two movies, ''[[McGlusky the Sea Rover]]'' (UK, 1934) and ''[[Navy Spy]]'' (1937). Later in life he had minor parts in a number of British films.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0236366/|title=Jack Doyle|website=IMDb|access-date=2016-08-29}}</ref>
In America he carried on his high living of gambling, women and drink. His good looks and deep pockets opened up the party circuit to him and he starred in two movies, ''[[McGlusky the Sea Rover]]'' (UK, 1934) and ''[[Navy Spy]]'' (1937). Later in life he had minor parts in a number of British films.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0236366/|title=Jack Doyle|website=IMDb|access-date=2016-08-29}}</ref>


While in the United States he continued to box, taking on [[Buddy Baer]] in August 1935. As in his fight against Petersen, it is said that Doyle had consumed the best part of a bottle of brandy before the bell rang and was in no fit state to stand. He was knocked down in the first round. It was around this time that Jack and Judith Allen, who had been the girlfriend of Buddy Baer's younger brother and fellow boxer [[Max Baer (boxer)|Max]], had a whirlwind affair and married on April 28, 1935.<ref>{{cite news|title=Actress Files Annulment Suit|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6013546/the_salt_lake_tribune/|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|agency=International News Service|date=March 16, 1937|location=Utah, Salt Lake City|page=7|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = July 26, 2016}} {{Open access}}</ref> Their marriage did not last. By the late 1930s Doyle was involved with the actress [[Movita Castaneda]].
While in the United States he continued to box, taking on [[Buddy Baer]] in August 1935. As in his fight against Petersen, it is said that Doyle had consumed the best part of a bottle of brandy before the bell rang and was in no fit state to stand. He was knocked down in the first round. It was around this time that Jack and Judith Allen, who had been the girlfriend of Buddy Baer's younger brother and fellow boxer [[Max Baer (boxer)|Max]], had a whirlwind affair and married on 28 April 1935.<ref>{{cite news|title=Actress Files Annulment Suit|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6013546/the_salt_lake_tribune/|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|agency=International News Service|date=16 March 1937|location=Utah, Salt Lake City|page=7|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = 26 July 2016}} {{Open access}}</ref> Their marriage did not last. By the late 1930s Doyle was involved with the actress [[Movita Castaneda]].


==Return to Ireland==
==Return to Ireland==
[[File:Movita in Mutiny on the Bounty trailer.jpg|thumb|right|Movita in a trailer for [[Mutiny on the Bounty (1935 film)]]]]
[[File:Movita in Mutiny on the Bounty trailer.jpg|thumb|right|Movita in a trailer for [[Mutiny on the Bounty (1935 film)|Mutiny on the Bounty]]]]
[[File:Cobh-Jack-Doyle-Grave-2012.JPG|thumb|Jack Doyle's grave]]
[[File:Cobh-Jack-Doyle-Grave-2012.JPG|thumb|Jack Doyle's grave]]
Following a celebrity wedding to Movita in [[St. Andrew's Church, Westland Row, Dublin|Dublin's Westland Row Church]] they toured both sides of the Irish Sea, selling out music halls and opera houses.
Following a celebrity wedding to Movita in [[St. Andrew's Church, Westland Row, Dublin|Dublin's Westland Row Church]] they toured both sides of the Irish Sea, selling out music halls and opera houses.
Line 52: Line 52:
Around this time Jack fought his last professional fight, against a journeyman called Chris Cole in front of 23,000 in [[Dalymount Park]], Dublin. Arriving late for the bout after a stop at The Clarence Hotel for refreshments, the inebriated Doyle went down in the first.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} Movita packed up and moved back to Hollywood, where she went on to marry [[Marlon Brando]].
Around this time Jack fought his last professional fight, against a journeyman called Chris Cole in front of 23,000 in [[Dalymount Park]], Dublin. Arriving late for the bout after a stop at The Clarence Hotel for refreshments, the inebriated Doyle went down in the first.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} Movita packed up and moved back to Hollywood, where she went on to marry [[Marlon Brando]].


Shortly after, Doyle found himself in [[Mountjoy Jail]], Dublin for knocking out a [[Garda Síochána|Garda]] Detective in a Ranelagh pub. He moved to England and his spiral downwards into alcoholism and bankruptcy continued. He found his friends had deserted him as fast as his bank balance, spent in his own words on "slow horses and fast women".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/jack-doyle-a-20th-century-conor-mcgregor-whose-life-spiralled-down-1.3571482|title=Jack Doyle: A 20th-century Conor McGregor whose life spiralled down|publisher=}}</ref> He odd-jobbed for a while but when he couldn't afford the rent on his flat, he took to sleeping at the homes of friends, in [[Pimlico]], London. His only source of income during this time was an allowance he received from Movita.
Shortly after, Doyle found himself in [[Mountjoy Jail]], Dublin for knocking out a [[Garda Síochána|Garda]] Detective in a Ranelagh pub. He moved to England and his spiral downwards into alcoholism and bankruptcy continued. He found his friends had deserted him as fast as his bank balance, spent in his own words on "slow horses and fast women".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/jack-doyle-a-20th-century-conor-mcgregor-whose-life-spiralled-down-1.3571482|title=Jack Doyle: A 20th-century Conor McGregor whose life spiralled down}}</ref> He odd-jobbed for a while but when he couldn't afford the rent on his flat, he took to sleeping at the homes of friends, in [[Pimlico]], London. His only source of income during this time was an allowance he received from Movita.


In 1947 Doyle was imprisoned in [[Sligo Gaol]] for issuing a cheque which later bounced. He served four months of hard labour.<ref>http://www.sligoarts.ie/media/CRIMEANDPUNISHMENT.pdf</ref>
In 1947 Doyle was imprisoned in [[Sligo Gaol]] for issuing a cheque which later bounced. He served four months of hard labour.<ref>http://www.sligoarts.ie/media/CRIMEANDPUNISHMENT.pdf</ref>


He died in 1978 at [[St Mary's Hospital, London|St. Mary's Hospital]] in Paddington, from [[cirrhosis]] of the liver. At the time it seemed he would be buried in a pauper's grave in London. However, when news of his death reached Ireland a number of members of the Cork Ex-Boxer's association decided to act. In conjunction with Cobh undertaker Paddy Barry they brought Jack's remains home.<ref>homehttp://irishrollcall.com/2010/04/jack-doyle-the-gorgeous-gael/</ref> Large crowds lined the streets of Cobh as the coffin led by a lone piper and topped with Jack's trademark - a red carnation - was brought on its last journey. He was buried in the [[Old Church Cemetery (Cobh)|Old Church Cemetery]], an ancient cemetery on the outskirts of the town of Cobh, County Cork, Ireland, and his grave is visited by thousands of people every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eastcorkjournal.ie/funding-call-for-jack-doyle-statue-in-cobh/|title=Funding Call For Jack Doyle Statue In Cobh - East Cork Journal|first=|last=admin|website=www.eastcorkjournal.ie}}</ref>
He died in 1978 at [[St Mary's Hospital, London|St. Mary's Hospital]] in Paddington, from [[cirrhosis]] of the liver. At the time it seemed he would be buried in a pauper's grave in London. However, when news of his death reached Ireland a number of members of the Cork Ex-Boxer's association decided to act. In conjunction with Cobh undertaker Paddy Barry they brought Jack's remains home.<ref>homehttp://irishrollcall.com/2010/04/jack-doyle-the-gorgeous-gael/</ref> Large crowds lined the streets of Cobh as the coffin led by a lone piper and topped with Jack's trademark - a red carnation - was brought on its last journey. He was buried in the [[Old Church Cemetery (Cobh)|Old Church Cemetery]], an ancient cemetery on the outskirts of the town of Cobh, County Cork, Ireland, and his grave is visited by thousands of people every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eastcorkjournal.ie/funding-call-for-jack-doyle-statue-in-cobh/|title=Funding Call For Jack Doyle Statue in Cobh - East Cork Journal|last=admin|website=www.eastcorkjournal.ie}}</ref>


Shortly before his death, he was interviewed by a journalist who asked him if he had any regrets about not spending his money more wisely. "None at all," he said, "twas never a generous man went to hell."<ref name=irishexaminer/>
Shortly before his death, he was interviewed by a journalist who asked him if he had any regrets about not spending his money more wisely. "None at all," he said, "twas never a generous man went to hell."<ref name=irishexaminer/>


==Song about Doyle==
==Song about Doyle==
The popular Irish song ''The Contender'' written by [[Jimmy MacCarthy]] around 1983, and performed by many including [[Finbar Wright]], [[Christy Moore]] and [[Tommy Fleming (musician)|Tommy Fleming]], was a song about Jack Doyle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bellsirishlyrics.com/the-contender.html|title=The Contender Lyrics by Jimmy MacCarthy|publisher=}}</ref>
The popular Irish song ''The Contender'' written by [[Jimmy MacCarthy]] around 1983, and performed by many including [[Finbar Wright]], [[Christy Moore]] and [[Tommy Fleming (musician)|Tommy Fleming]], was a song about Jack Doyle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bellsirishlyrics.com/the-contender.html|title=The Contender Lyrics by Jimmy MacCarthy}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann|RTÉ]], the Irish broadcaster, featured Jack Doyle in their series ''True Lives'' in a programme called ''Jack Doyle, a Legend Lost'' in September 2007. A book to accompany the programme called ''Jack Doyle: The Gorgeous Gael'' {{ISBN|1-84351-123-1}} was released in late 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story/?trs=gbqlaucw&cat=entertainment|title=Story - Irish Post|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story/?trs=gbqlaucw&cat=entertainment |title=404 Not Found |date=2007-05-21 |access-date=2016-08-29 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20070521022941/http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story/?trs=gbqlaucw&cat=entertainment |archivedate=21 May 2007 }}</ref>
[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann|RTÉ]], the Irish broadcaster, featured Jack Doyle in their series ''True Lives'' in a programme called ''Jack Doyle, a Legend Lost'' in September 2007. A book to accompany the programme called ''Jack Doyle: The Gorgeous Gael'' {{ISBN|1-84351-123-1}} was released in late 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story/?trs=gbqlaucw&cat=entertainment|title=Story - Irish Post|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story/?trs=gbqlaucw&cat=entertainment |title=404 Not Found |date=21 May 2007 |access-date=2016-08-29 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20070521022941/http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story/?trs=gbqlaucw&cat=entertainment |archivedate=21 May 2007 }}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==

Revision as of 22:56, 31 January 2020

For other people named Jack Doyle (boxer), see Jack Doyle (boxer) (disambiguation).

Jack Doyle
File:Boxer & actor Jack Doyle.jpg
Born(1913-08-31)31 August 1913
Cobh, Ireland
Died13 December 1978(1978-12-13) (aged 65)
Paddington, London, England
NationalityIrish
Other namesThe Gorgeous Gael
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)
Reach201 cm (79 in)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights23
Wins17
Losses6
Draws0
No contests0

Joseph "Jack" Doyle (31 August 1913 – 13 December 1978), known as "The Gorgeous Gael", was an Irish boxer, actor, and a tenor.[1] He was born Joseph Doyle and known to his friends as Joe but changed it to Jack when starting his professional career.[2] At one time or another, Doyle was a contender for the British Boxing Championship.

Early years

Doyle was born into a working-class family in Cobh, in County Cork, Ireland in 1913. At six feet five inches, he was good with his fists and in 1929, joined the Irish Guards regiment of the British Army based in Wales.

There he excelled at boxing and was famed for his strong hooks that won him the British Army Championship. A record of 28 straight victories, 27 by knockout, brought him to the attention of promoter Dan Sullivan. He turned professional and notched up 10 consecutive victories, all inside two rounds, making him the hottest thing in the sport.[3]

In July 1933, at the age of 19, he missed out on the British Heavyweight title to the holder, Welshman, Jack Petersen. Witnesses claim that he had done most of his warming up in a pub not far from the bout. Within the opening seconds he knew he was in trouble and decided to take the easy way out. He was disqualified for repeatedly punching low.[2]

Shortly after, his singing voice was discovered by Dr. Vincent O'Brien, voice coach to Count John McCormack and soon his soft tenor voice and handsome looks were selling out the London Palladium and the Royal in Dublin. Doyle was subsequently signed up by Decca.

In 1934 Doyle travelled to the United States and several 78rpm records were produced including the popular "South of the Border" a duet recorded with his then wife Movita.[4] But his love for the drink and generous nature soon started to take its toll on his health.

America

In America he carried on his high living of gambling, women and drink. His good looks and deep pockets opened up the party circuit to him and he starred in two movies, McGlusky the Sea Rover (UK, 1934) and Navy Spy (1937). Later in life he had minor parts in a number of British films.[5]

While in the United States he continued to box, taking on Buddy Baer in August 1935. As in his fight against Petersen, it is said that Doyle had consumed the best part of a bottle of brandy before the bell rang and was in no fit state to stand. He was knocked down in the first round. It was around this time that Jack and Judith Allen, who had been the girlfriend of Buddy Baer's younger brother and fellow boxer Max, had a whirlwind affair and married on 28 April 1935.[6] Their marriage did not last. By the late 1930s Doyle was involved with the actress Movita Castaneda.

Return to Ireland

Movita in a trailer for Mutiny on the Bounty
Jack Doyle's grave

Following a celebrity wedding to Movita in Dublin's Westland Row Church they toured both sides of the Irish Sea, selling out music halls and opera houses.

Around this time Jack fought his last professional fight, against a journeyman called Chris Cole in front of 23,000 in Dalymount Park, Dublin. Arriving late for the bout after a stop at The Clarence Hotel for refreshments, the inebriated Doyle went down in the first.[citation needed] Movita packed up and moved back to Hollywood, where she went on to marry Marlon Brando.

Shortly after, Doyle found himself in Mountjoy Jail, Dublin for knocking out a Garda Detective in a Ranelagh pub. He moved to England and his spiral downwards into alcoholism and bankruptcy continued. He found his friends had deserted him as fast as his bank balance, spent in his own words on "slow horses and fast women".[7] He odd-jobbed for a while but when he couldn't afford the rent on his flat, he took to sleeping at the homes of friends, in Pimlico, London. His only source of income during this time was an allowance he received from Movita.

In 1947 Doyle was imprisoned in Sligo Gaol for issuing a cheque which later bounced. He served four months of hard labour.[8]

He died in 1978 at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, from cirrhosis of the liver. At the time it seemed he would be buried in a pauper's grave in London. However, when news of his death reached Ireland a number of members of the Cork Ex-Boxer's association decided to act. In conjunction with Cobh undertaker Paddy Barry they brought Jack's remains home.[9] Large crowds lined the streets of Cobh as the coffin led by a lone piper and topped with Jack's trademark - a red carnation - was brought on its last journey. He was buried in the Old Church Cemetery, an ancient cemetery on the outskirts of the town of Cobh, County Cork, Ireland, and his grave is visited by thousands of people every year.[10]

Shortly before his death, he was interviewed by a journalist who asked him if he had any regrets about not spending his money more wisely. "None at all," he said, "twas never a generous man went to hell."[3]

Song about Doyle

The popular Irish song The Contender written by Jimmy MacCarthy around 1983, and performed by many including Finbar Wright, Christy Moore and Tommy Fleming, was a song about Jack Doyle.[11]

Legacy

RTÉ, the Irish broadcaster, featured Jack Doyle in their series True Lives in a programme called Jack Doyle, a Legend Lost in September 2007. A book to accompany the programme called Jack Doyle: The Gorgeous Gael ISBN 1-84351-123-1 was released in late 2007.[12][13]

Filmography

References

  1. ^ "Jack Doyle".
  2. ^ a b http://irishrollcall.com/2010/04/jack-doyle-the-gorgeous-gael/
  3. ^ a b "Jack Doyle: The tragic tale of the Gorgeous Gael". 29 August 2013.
  4. ^ "Movita Castaneda, actress - obituary". The Telegraph. 18 February 2015.
  5. ^ "Jack Doyle". IMDb. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  6. ^ "Actress Files Annulment Suit". The Salt Lake Tribune. Utah, Salt Lake City. International News Service. 16 March 1937. p. 7. Retrieved 26 July 2016 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  7. ^ "Jack Doyle: A 20th-century Conor McGregor whose life spiralled down".
  8. ^ http://www.sligoarts.ie/media/CRIMEANDPUNISHMENT.pdf
  9. ^ homehttp://irishrollcall.com/2010/04/jack-doyle-the-gorgeous-gael/
  10. ^ admin. "Funding Call For Jack Doyle Statue in Cobh - East Cork Journal". www.eastcorkjournal.ie.
  11. ^ "The Contender Lyrics by Jimmy MacCarthy".
  12. ^ "Story - Irish Post". Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  13. ^ "404 Not Found". 21 May 2007. Archived from the original on 21 May 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2016. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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