Carmel Cryan

Carmel Cryan (born 8 July 1949) is an English actress, known for the role of Brenda Boyle in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She is the widow of the actor Roy Kinnear (1934–1988).

Life and career Cryan was born in London. She was married to the actor Roy Kinnear until his death in 1988. They had three children together, including Rory Kinnear, who is also an actor; and Kirsty, who works as a casting assistant. The couple's elder daughter, Karina (1972–2020), who was born quadriplegic and had learning difficulties, died from COVID-19. In May 2014 Cryan was appointed as a trustee to Choice Support, a charitable trust that provides care to disabled people and people with learning disabilities.

In June 2008, she was cast as Brenda Boyle in EastEnders, a love interest for Charlie Slater (actor Derek Martin). She signed a six-month contract in August 2008. Cryan was written out of EastEnders in August 2009 when Brenda emigrated to Madeira with Charlie.

Acting roles Year Title Role Notes 1963 The Rag Trade Gloria 11 episodes 1966 Thirty-Minute Theatre Rose 1969 Fraud Squad 1970 Beyond Belief 1970 Catweazle Audrey 1970 Steptoe and Son Muriel 1970-1972 His and Hers Vanessa Hooker / Philippa Gutteridge 2 episodes 1971 The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins Vera 1972 Nearest and Dearest Sabrina Clegg 1972 Nearest and Dearest (film) Club Hostess 1972 There Was An Englishman, Irishman & A Scotsman Barmaid 1975 Within These Walls Mrs. Flower 1981 Partners Gladys 1986 The Whistle Blower Frank's Secretary 1989 Ever Decreasing Circles Nina 1991 Lovejoy 1997 Rag Nymph 2002 The Bill Mrs. Hacker 2005 Life Begins Maureen Russell 2008–2009 EastEnders Brenda Boyle 18 episodes