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Last updated on the 11 May 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 13 July 1970, Hackney, London, England.
Sharon Horgan is an Irish actress, writer, director, producer and comedian. She is known for her witty and relatable portrayals of women in her comedies, which have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Sharon Lorencia Horgan was born in London, to an Irish mother and a New Zealand father. When she was four years old, her family moved to Bellewstown, County Meath, Ireland, where she grew up on a turkey farm. Even with her upbringing in a rural setting, Horgan always held a strong passion for acting. After graduating from Brunel University London with a degree in English and American Studies, she stayed in London to pursue an acting career.
Sharon Horgan’s breakthrough came with the comedy series “Pulling” (2006-2009), which she created and co-wrote with Dennis Kelly. The show’s frank and humorous depiction of friendship and relationships resonated with audiences, and Horgan earned a British Comedy Award for Best TV Actress.
Horgan’s international success came with the critically acclaimed comedy series “Catastrophe” (2015-2019), which she co-created and co-starred in with American comedian Rob Delaney. The show follows the tumultuous relationship of two Americans who meet and fall in love while on a weekend fling in London. “Catastrophe” was praised for its realistic portrayal of modern relationships, and it earned Horgan and Delaney several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
In addition to her acting roles, Sharon Horgan has penned and produced a number of other popular comedy series, such as “Divorce”, “Motherland” and “Shining Vale”. She is known for her ability to create relatable and humorous characters who deal with the challenges of everyday life.
Sharon Horgan has two daughters with her ex-husband, businessman Jeremy Rainbird, whom she married in 2005 and divorced in 2019. She is currently based in London and is a vocal advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.
WINNER| Television Craft: Writer – Comedy for Catastrophe (2016) | Television: Scripted Comedy for Motherland (2022) | Television: Drama Series for Bad Sisters (2023)
Suggested viewing
Catastrophe (2015)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2
Sharon, an Irish woman and Rob, an American man, embark on a whirlwind romance during Rob’s business trip to London. Unexpectedly pregnant, they tackle the complexities of parenthood, relationships and their cultural differences, finding humour and connection amidst the chaos of life.
Top cast: Sharon Horgan, Rob Delaney, Mark Bonnar, Ashley Jensen, Daniel Lapaine, Jonathan Forbes, Seeta Indrani, Marta Barrio, Tobias Menzies.
Pulling (2006)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9
“Pulling” is a sitcom about three close friends in their 30s, Donna, Karen and Louise, who live together in a flat in London. The show follows their messy and often hilarious romantic lives, as they contend with the ups and downs of love, friendship and self-discovery. The show is known for its sharp wit, its relatable characters and its frank portrayal of female sexuality.
Top cast: Sharon Horgan, Tanya Franks, Rebekah Station, Cavan Clerking, Paul Kaye, Di Botcher, Tom Ellis, Kim Wall, Juliet Cowan.
Relatable series
This Way Up (2019)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.8
Following her nervous breakdown, a sharp-witted Irish woman named Aine struggles to piece her life back together. With the support of her protective sister Shona and a motley crew of friends, Aine faces the challenges of dating, career and self-discovery, finding humour and hope in the midst of her messy journey.
Top cast: Aisling Bea, Sharon Horgan, Tobias Menzies, Aasif Mandvi, Indira Varma, Kadiff Kirwan, Ricky Grover, Pik-Sen Lim.
Bad Sisters (2022)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.2
Five sisters, bound by a shared trauma, find themselves at the centre of a life insurance investigation after the unexpected death of Grace’s abusive husband, John Paul. As they grapple with the consequences of their actions, the sisters must confront their own dark secrets and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.
Top cast: Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, Eve Hewson, Brian Gleeson, Daryl McCormack, Claes Bang, Saise Quinn.
