Elaine Cassidy

Last updated on the 22 May 2025 by Evandrus

Mini Biography

Born: 31 December 1979, Raheny, County Dublin, Ireland. 

Hailing from Raheny, Ireland and growing up in Kilcoole, Elaine Cassidy discovered her passion for acting at a young age. Her first theatrical experience came at the age of five, playing the title character in a school production of Pinocchio. This ignited a spark that would shape her future career path.

Throughout her secondary school years, Elaine Cassidy fully engaged in drama classes, honing her passion for acting. Her talent did not go unnoticed and she soon began landing roles in various local productions, gaining valuable experience and exposure.

In 1994, at the age of 15, Cassidy made her professional debut in the short film “The Stranger Within Me,” marking the beginning of her career. Her breakthrough came in 1999 when she starred alongside Bob Hoskins in the critically acclaimed drama “Felicia’s Journey.” Her portrayal of a vulnerable and determined young woman earned her widespread acclaim and nominations for several prestigious awards, including the Genie Award and the Golden Satellite Award.

Elaine Cassidy received critical praise for her performances in “Fingersmith” (2005), establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the international film industry.

Beyond the silver screen, Cassidy has also made a significant impact on television. She captivated audiences with her portrayal of Abby Mills in the American mystery drama series “Harper’s Island” (2009), earning her the Irish Film and Television Award (IFTA) for Best Actress in a Television Drama. Her versatility shone through in her subsequent television roles, including Katherine Glendenning in “The Paradise” (2012), Sandra in “And When Did You Last See Your Father?” (2007), and Lizzie Stone in “Strike Back” (2017).

Elaine Cassidy wed actor Stephen Lord in 2007 and together they have two children.

Suggested viewing

The Paradise (2012)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7

In 1870s Manchester, England, a young and ambitious woman named Denise Lovett arrives in the bustling town seeking employment at The Paradise, a newly established department store. Working under the watchful eye of the store’s formidable manager, Miss Audrey, Denise quickly learns the ropes of the retail world and finds herself drawn to the store’s enigmatic owner, Moray Thompson. However, their budding romance is complicated by the presence of Clara, a fellow salesgirl harbouring her own desires for Moray, and Katherine Glendenning, a wealthy socialite who hopes to marry Moray for his position and wealth.

Top cast: Emun Elliott, Joanna Vanderham, Elaine Cassidy, Sarah Lancashire, Matthew McNulty, David Hayman, Peter Wight, Sonya Cassidy.

Similar to

Fingersmith (2005)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

In Victorian London, Sue Trinder, a young orphan raised by thieves, is recruited by Richard Rivers, a con artist, to infiltrate the household of Maud Lilly, a wealthy heiress. Sue is tasked with winning Maud’s affection and persuading her to marry Rivers, who plans to imprison Maud in a mental asylum and seize her inheritance. However, as Sue becomes increasingly entangled with Maud, their bond deepens, complicating the elaborate scheme and blurring the lines between deception and love.

Top cast: Sally Hawkins, Elaine Cassidy, Rupert Evans, Charles Dance, Imelda Staunton, Polly Hemingway, David Troughton, Sarah Badel, Bronson Webb.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)