Frank McCourt Gravely Ill With Meningitis: "He Is Not Expected To Live"

NEW YORK — Frank McCourt is gravely ill with meningitis and is unlikely to survive, the author's brother said Thursday.

Malachy McCourt said that his 78-year-old brother, best known for the million-selling "Angela's Ashes," is in a New York hospice, "his faculties shutting down."

"He is not expected to live," said McCourt, himself an author and performer.

Frank McCourt was recently treated for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, but his brother says he had been doing well until about two weeks ago, when he contracted meningitis.

"He was out and about, being active, doing talks and so forth," Malachy McCourt said.

Comments

[Lam56]

I loved Angela's Ashes for two reasons: One, it was a beautifully written story. Two, Frank McCourt's description of his father made me appreciate how lucky I was to have such a great dad, one who was always there for me.

[Bettysdad]

McCourt was one of my English teachers in High School.

I still have my notes from his classes 40 years later.

Not a "great" teacher.

An "astounding" teacher.

[Finian]

Bullai fir, Mr. McCourt
go mbeannia Dia thu!

"Angela's Ashes" is a classic for the ages.

[jeplanet]

I'm very sad to here this. He is one of the best authors of my lifetime, that's for sure.
I've loved all of his books, but Angela's Ashes will forever be one of my favorites. I laughed through my tears many times reading that book.
And listening to him give an interview was a real treat. His beautiful voice and self-deprecating story telling was a joy to hear.
My thoughts are with Mr. McCourt and his family.
Thank-you, Frank.

[Joyce Evans]

Angela's Ashes is one of my all time favorite books. I laughed and cried my way through it at least four times. When Frank McCourt came to Memphis, I was among a throng, (300+) mostly women all smitten by Frankie. Love and prayers to you.

[gravyfilm]

This is a huge loss. A wonderful man.

I met him once at an event in Hammond, LA. He spent 10 minutes making my wife and I feel like the most important people in the room. As hundreds of people waited to shake his hand, he gave us his full attention. I will never forget it. What a gift.

A great writer, teacher and gentleman.

[1differentdrummer]

How sad, great writer.

[ChicagoSuz]

This makes me very sad. He is my all-time favorite author. He's survived so much in his life, I can't help thinking he'll, somehow, survive this, as well. If it really is his time, I hope he goes gently into that good night. In the meantime, I'll pray for a miracle... and keep him and his family and friends in my thoughts...

[H321]

I loved the movie.
So sad.

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

So sad to hear. My thoughts and prayers to his family and those who enjoyed his incredible work.

[DeeDeeDaGumby]

Sorry to hear this... I am a big fan of his work...

[SanteeDee]

Such a terrible thing. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. May he be out of pain, soon, either in life or in heaven. Have loved his writing. It will live on.

[canuck4barack]

Not long after reading Angela's Ashes a few years ago, I watched a long interview with Frank McCourt on TV. Even though he is 30 years my senior, I was extremely fascinated and attracted to the man. He was soft spoken with a keen wit as well as being good looking with that mischievous, boyish, glint in his Irish eyes!

Tis such a shame to hear this news. My prayers go out to him!

[mrsgm]

Love his writing. Have 3 of his books. Teacher Man unfortunately made me decide to not become a teacher in college. Good luck Frank. Hopefully you will defy the odds and pull through, hopefully.

[Lexica]

Frank McCourt is more than a great teacher and brilliant storyteller. He has gone out of his way to help so many people, especially new authors. If he reads and likes your book he is effusive in his praise, and his reviews have made the difference in the success of many debut novels.

When my mother had her 80th birthday in February I was searching for something special to mark the day. I wrote to Mr. McCourt, shared a story or two about my mom and her Irish ancestry, and asked if he would write a line or two to wish her a happy birthday. He wrote two paragraphs of the most beautiful, life affirming prose you can imagine, leaving my mother - and me - speechless.

[canuck4barack]

What a wonderful gift for your mother! Kudos to you for thinking that one up! I am always wondering what to get for my mother on her birthday and have never thought about doing anything like that. Thanks for the tip.