Thanks for taking the time to visit John's JustGiving page raising funds in his memory in favour of the Equity Charitable Trust.

John Rogan was an inspirational Irish actor who overcame paralysis to continue his career in acting, and has died suddenly at his home in London aged 79.

John, from Waterford City in Ireland, had a long and successful career working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. He starred alongside Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy and Colm Meaney
in the film 2003 film Intermission, as well as latterly, after his devastating accident, with comedian Ardal O’Hanlon in Connor McPherson’s play Port Authority.

In 2005, John was travelling on a London Underground escalator when he fainted and plummeted, free-fall into the depths of Holborn station, fracturing his spine. He was just five minutes from home but never arrived, spending the next year in hospitals instead.

The damage he incurred in the accident could not be reversed and, at the age of 67, Rogan (he was always just 'Rogan' to his friends) was paralysed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

But this inspirational man would not allow his misfortune to ruin his career and the self-confessed ‘glass half full’ actor was determined to return to the stage and to continue to work beyond his accident.

In an interview with The Irish Post in 2012, John said he was determined not to let his horrific accident ruin his life. John said it was family and friends – including theatre favourites Judi Dench, Charles Dance and Ralph Fiennes, who were bedside regulars – who pulled him through. 

“I think I was also very lucky that I let all my emotions come out. I was angry and cried, I screamed, I got panic attacks. I am not at all religious, but for a while I tried religion – you try anything in that situation.

“Basically I didn’t sit there and pretend it was all OK because it wasn’t, it was f’n awful. It was f’n terrible.”

“Disability in general is treated with great respect in the theatre. Love and affection even. I think they are much more open-minded to it now, but if this had happened 10 or 20 years ago I imagine I would never have worked again.”

Before he died, dear Rogan was keen to help anyone experiencing a similar situation. “Ultimately, whatever life throws at you, you have two choices; stick your head in the gas cooker or continue. I know what I prefer. Your situation might be very tough, but you have to face up to it."

John Rogan returned to the stage in August 2007, now in his wheelchair, starring alongside Stockard Channing in Michael Attenborough's production of 'Awake and Sing' at the Almeida Theatre London. He was finally able to return to his beloved National Theatre in 2015 in Marianne Eliot's wonderful production of 'Rules for Living.' 

Many have been in touch with John's family and friends to offer their commiserations and condolences on John’s death. John would want his memorial to be of practical help to actors and others in the theatre world he loved so much, and inhabited with such dignity, patience and fortitude.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.