Saoirse Ronan

Last updated on the 10 April 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 12 April 1994, New York City, U.S.A.

Saoirse Una Ronan, born in the Bronx, New York City, is an American-born Irish actress. Her parents, Monica and Paul Ronan, both hail from Dublin, Ireland. Saoirse’s father worked in construction and bars before training as an actor, while her mother worked as a nanny and had acted as a child. The family moved back to Dublin when Saoirse was three years old and she was raised in Ardattin, County Carlow. She attended Ardattin National School before being tutored privately at home. In her early teens, Saoirse and her parents settled in the seaside village of Howth, Dublin.

Saoirse Ronan’s acting career began at a young age. She made her screen debut in 2003 on the Irish medical drama series “The Clinic” and appeared in the mini-serial “Proof.” Her breakthrough role came in 2007 when she played a precocious teenager in the period drama film “Atonement,” earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Saoirse’s career continued to flourish with starring roles in films such as “The Lovely Bones” (2009), “Hanna” (2011), and “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014). She received critical acclaim and nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performances in “Brooklyn” (2015), “Lady Bird” (2017), and “Little Women” (2019). Saoirse has also made her mark on stage, portraying Abigail Williams in the 2016 Broadway revival of “The Crucible” and Lady Macbeth in the 2021 West End revival of “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”

In her personal life, Saoirse Ronan is known for her down-to-earth nature and dedication to her craft. She holds dual citizenship in Ireland and the United States. Saoirse has been in a relationship with Scottish actor Jack Lowden since 2018 and the couple tied the knot in a low-key wedding in 2024. Saoirse is also an advocate for various social causes, including the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Irish Film Institute’s Archive Preservation Fund. Despite her fame, Saoirse remains grounded and continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Suggested viewing

The Outrun (2024)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6

A young woman, seeking solace from a battle with alcoholism, returns to the windswept beauty of her childhood home on the Orkney Islands. There, amidst the familiar yet distant landscape, she confronts the ghosts of her past and searches for the strength to build a future free from the demons that chased her away.

Top cast: Saoirse Ronan, Stephen Dillane, Saskia Reeves, Lauren Lyle, Paapa Essiedu, Izuka Hoyle, Naomi Wirthner.

Brooklyn (2015)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

“Brooklyn” is a heartwarming coming-of-age story set in the 1950s, following the journey of Eilis Lacey, a young Irish immigrant who leaves her small hometown to start a new life in Brooklyn, New York. As she navigates love, homesickness, and the pursuit of her dreams, Eilis discovers the true meaning of home and self-discovery.

Top cast: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Jessica Paré, Eve Macklin, Brid Brennan, Fiona Glascott.

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.3

“Mary Queen of Scots” portrays the riveting life of Mary Stuart, the young queen of Scotland, and her tumultuous relationship with her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England. Set in the 16th century, the film explores the political and personal challenges faced by these powerful women as they face betrayal, rivalry and the struggle for power in a male-dominated world.

Top cast: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, David Tennant, Guy Pearce, Gemma Chan, Martin Compston, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Adrian Lester.

Alternative version

Ammonite (2020)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.5

“Ammonite” is a poignant love story set in the 19th century, inspired by the life of paleontologist Mary Anning. The film follows the unlikely romance between Mary and a young woman named Charlotte, who is sent to convalesce by the sea. As their relationship deepens, they discover new perspectives on love, passion and self-discovery amidst societal constraints.

Top cast: Kate Winslet, Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Jones, James McArdle, Alec Secăreanu, Fiona Shaw, Sarah White, Liam Thomas, Sam Parks.

Atonement (2007)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.8

“Atonement” is a gripping tale set in the 1930s and beyond. It revolves around Briony, a young aspiring writer, who makes a false accusation against Robbie, the lover of her sister Cecilia. The story examines the consequences of Briony’s actions and explores themes of guilt, love and the power of storytelling.

Top cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Saoirse Ronan, Brenda Blethyn, Vanessa Redgrave, Juno Temple, Benedict Cumberbatch, Harriet Walter.

Full filmography @ Wikipedia