Jessie Buckley headshot

Jessie Buckley

Actors - J
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Jessie Buckley headshot

Mini Biography

Born: December 1989, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. 

Jessie Buckley is the eldest of five children, she grew up surrounded by music, nurtured by her mother, a vocal coach. This artistic upbringing instilled a love for singing in Buckley, who not only excelled vocally but also surprised audiences by tackling male roles in school productions like Tony from West Side Story. Her talent for performance was undeniable but it was television that first thrust her into the spotlight.

In 2008, at the age of 18, Buckley participated in the BBC talent show “I’d Do Anything,” aiming to land the … Read more

Andrew Scott headshot

Andrew Scott

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Andrew Scott headshot

Mini Biography

Born: October 21, 1976, Dublin, Ireland. 

Andrew Scott is an Irish actor who has carved a unique path across film, television and theatre. His talent has been recognised with numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Award and two Laurence Olivier Awards.

Andrew Scott’s artistic inclinations emerged early. Raised Catholic, he attended a Jesuit school while concurrently attending a weekend drama program. At a young age, he appeared in Irish television commercials, foreshadowing his future career trajectory. At 17, he landed his first film role in “Korea,” a pivotal moment that solidified his desire to pursue acting professionally.

Despite receiving … Read more

Dervla Kirwan headshot

Dervla Kirwan

Actors - D
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Dervla Kirwan headshot
Mini Biography

Born: 24 October 1971, Churchtown, Dublin, Ireland. 

Dervla Kirwan, youngest of three daughters, was raised by an insurance broker father and a language teacher mother. Loreto Beaufort, a Catholic school, witnessed her early talents, but her burgeoning acting career led to her departure at 16. Completing her education at Sandymount High School, Kirwan’s dedication to her craft was evident.

The 1990s proved to be a breakout decade for Kirwan. British television became her stomping ground. Audiences were captivated by her portrayal of the feisty Phoebe Bamford in the popular sitcom “Goodnight Sweetheart.” The show’s success not only established … Read more

Pierce Brosnan headshot

Pierce Brosnan

Actors - P
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Pierce Brosnan headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 16 May 1953, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. 

Pierce Brosnan lived a childhood marked by change. His father left the family soon after his birth and his mother emigrated to England for work when he was four. Raised by his grandparents in Ireland, Brosnan developed a deep connection to his homeland. This bicultural upbringing would later lend authenticity to his portrayal of characters from both backgrounds.

At 15, Brosnan’s artistic spirit blossomed. He ventured to London, enrolling in drama classes at The Drama Centre London, where he diligently studied the art of acting. It was during this period … Read more

Richard Harris headshot

Richard Harris

Actors - R
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Richard Harris headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 1 October 1930, Limerick, Ireland. 

Richard Harris was an Irish force of nature on both stage and screen. His early life in Limerick, Ireland, was steeped in athletics. A talented rugby player, his dreams were shattered by a bout of tuberculosis in his teens. This forced a change of course, leading him to the world of theatre.

Drawn to the stage, Harris attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He quickly found success in British theatre, becoming a key figure in the burgeoning British New Wave movement. His raw talent and captivating intensity shone … Read more

Spike Milligan headshot

Spike Milligan

Actors - S
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Spike Milligan headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 16 April 1918, Ahmednagar, British India. 

Terence Alan Milligan, better known by his stage name Spike Milligan, was a whirlwind of comedic energy. Born in British India, his early life was a mix of military life, fuelled by his father’s service and a nomadic existence across India and Burma. This travelling upbringing likely influenced his later absurdist humour.

Education, in the traditional sense, wasn’t a priority for young Terence. He bounced between schools in India and England, displaying a talent for music but little interest in academics. This musical bent, however, would stay with him, as … Read more

Domhnall Gleeson headshot

Domhnall Gleeson

Actors - D
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Domhnall Gleeson headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 12 May 1983, Dublin, Ireland. 

Domhnall Gleeson is the eldest son of renowned actor Brendan Gleeson, he was surrounded by the world of performance from a young age. While his father’s career flourished, the young Gleeson honed his own talents on stage at Malahide Community School, tackling roles in classics like “Grease” and “King Lear.”

Following his graduation from the Dublin Institute of Technology with a degree in Media Arts, he explored writing and directing short films. At 23, he received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the dark comedy “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” on … Read more

Brendan Gleeson headshot

Brendan Gleeson

Actors - B
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Brendan Gleeson headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 29 March 1955, Dublin, Ireland. 

Brendan Gleeson grew up in a family of ten children and developed a passion for acting from a young age. His father, Frank Gleeson, was a Gaelic footballer and served as a lobbying officer with the Gaelic Athletic Association. Brendan’s early exposure to the world of performance came through his parents, who instilled in him a love for the arts.

In terms of his education, Gleeson attended St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Fairview, Dublin. After completing his secondary education, he initially pursued a career in teaching. However, his true calling for acting … Read more

Louisa Harland headshot

Louisa Harland

Actors - L
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Louisa Harland headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 31 January 1993, Dublin, Ireland. 

Growing up, Louisa Harland had a keen interest in performing arts and decided to pursue her passion by enrolling in drama school after completing her high school education. She participated in the Ann Kavanagh Youth Theatre in Rathfarnham and received training at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

Louisa Harland’s breakout role came in 2018 when she was cast as Orla McCool in “Derry Girls,” a critically acclaimed comedy series set in the 1990s during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Her portrayal of the quirky and likeable character quickly endeared … Read more

Brian Gleeson headshot

Brian Gleeson

Actors - B
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Brian Gleeson headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 14 November 1987, Dublin, Ireland. 

Brian Gleeson is the son of actor Brendan Gleeson and Mary Weldon. He grew up in Malahide, Dublin, with his three brothers, including fellow actor Domhnall Gleeson.

From a young age, Brian was immersed in the arts. He attended school plays and joined the Gaiety’s Youth Theatre Company, which set the stage for his acting career.

Brian Gleeson’s acting career began in 2006 with a role alongside his father in “The Tiger’s Tail,” directed by John Boorman. This debut occurred the same year he completed his Leaving Certificate, marking the start of … Read more

Liam Cunningham headshot

Liam Cunningham

Actors - L
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Liam Cunningham headshot Mini Biography

Born: June 2, 1961, East Wall, Dublin, Ireland.

Liam Cunningham was born in East Wall, an inner city area of Northside Dublin, Ireland. He grew up in Kilmore West with his three sisters and a brother. At the age of 15, Cunningham left secondary school to pursue a career as an electrician.

n the 1980s, Cunningham moved to Zimbabwe for three years, where he worked maintaining electrical equipment at a safari park and trained local electricians. After returning to Ireland, he became dissatisfied with his work and decided to pursue his interest in acting. He attended acting classes … Read more

Sharon Horgan headshot

Sharon Horgan

Actors - S
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Sharon Horgan headshot

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. Despite her rural upbringing, Horgan always harboured a passion for acting. After graduating from Brunel University London with a degree … Read more

Michael Fassbender headshot

Michael Fassbender

Actors - M
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Michael Fassbender headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 2 April 1977, Heidelberg, West Germany. 

Michael Fassbender, although born in Germany, Fassbender was raised in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. His parents, Adele and Josef Fassbender, moved to Ireland when he was two years old.

Fassbender attended St. Brendan’s College in Killarney before later enrolling in the Drama Centre London, a prestigious acting school.

Fassbender’s career took off when he made his acting debut in the television miniseries “Band of Brothers” in 2001. However, it was his breakthrough role as IRA activist Bobby Sands in the 2008 film “Hunger” that truly showcased his exceptional talent. Fassbender’s portrayal … Read more

Chris O'Dowd headshot

Chris O’Dowd

Actors - C
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Chris O'Dowd headshot
Mini Biography

Born: 9 October 1979, Boyle, Ireland.

Growing up in a modest household, Chris O’Dowd displayed an early penchant for performing arts. He attended St. Joseph’s College in Boyle, where he actively participated in school plays and nurtured his passion for acting. This early exposure to the stage ignited a flame within him, leading him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

After completing his secondary education, Chris O’Dowd further developed his skills at the University College Dublin, where he studied politics and sociology. Although his academic pursuits were focused on social sciences, his heart remained firmly set … Read more

Aisling Bea headshot

Aisling Bea

Stand-Ups
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Aisling Bea headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 16 March 1984, Kildare, Ireland. 

Aisling Bea attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). After graduating, she began her career in acting, appearing in various stage productions, including the critically acclaimed play “The Town” at the Royal Court Theatre.

However, it was Bea’s foray into the world of comedy that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. Drawing from her own experiences and observations, she crafted a unique comedic style that resonated with audiences. Bea’s sharp wit, infectious energy, and ability to find humour in the mundane have made her a favourite among comedy enthusiasts.… Read more

Jamie Dornan headshot

Jamie Dornan

Actors - J
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Mini Biography

Born: 1 May 1982, Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland. 

After completing secondary school, Jamie Dornan briefly pursued a career in modeling before transitioning into acting. In 2006, he made his debut on the big screen with the film “Marie Antoinette”. However, it was his portrayal of Sheriff Graham Humbert (also known as The Huntsman) in the hit TV series “Once Upon a Time” that brought him widespread recognition.

Undoubtedly one of Jamie’s most prominent roles came when he stepped into the shoes of Christian Grey in the film adaptation of E.L. James’ best-selling novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” … Read more

Jonas Armstrong headshot

Jonas Armstrong

Actors - J
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Jonas Armstrong headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 1 January 1981, Dublin, Ireland.

Jonas Armstrong is a talented British actor who has made his mark in the entertainment industry. Raised in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, England, Jonas developed an early passion for acting and storytelling.

During his formative years, Jonas attended Arnold School and later went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

One of Armstrong’s most notable roles came when he portrayed the legendary outlaw Robin Hood in the popular BBC television series “Robin Hood.” His portrayal captivated audiences with his charm, witt, and skillful archery.

Following this … Read more

Elaine Cassidy

Elaine Cassidy

Actors - E
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Elaine Cassidy

Mini Biography

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

Born in Raheny, Ireland, and raised in Kilcoole, Elaine Cassidy’s love for acting ignited at an early 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.

During her secondary school years, Elaine Cassidy immersed herself in drama classes. 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 … Read more

Michael Gambon

Michael Gambon

Actors - M
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Michael Gambon

Mini Biography

Born:19 October 1940, Dublin, Ireland. 

Michael Gambon’s early life was marked by challenges and loss. His father, Edward Gambon, was an engineer during World War II, and his mother, Mary Hoare, was a seamstress. The family moved to Mornington Crescent in London when Gambon was six years old, and his father arranged for him to become a British citizen.

Gambon attended St Aloysius Boys’ School in Somers Town and served at the altar as a young boy. His interest in acting sparked while watching his father perform in amateur productions. After graduating from school, he worked various odd … Read more

Eve Hewson

Eve Hewson

Actors - E
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Eve Hewson

Mini Biography

Born: July 7, 1991, Dublin, Ireland.

Born Memphis Eve Sunny Day Iris Hewson, Eve Hewson is an accomplished actress known for her captivating performances on both the big and small screens. She is the daughter of humanitarian and activist Ali Hewson and U2 frontman Bono.

Hewson’s early life was marked by a strong sense of social consciousness and a passion for the arts. She attended the prestigious Dalkey School Project and St. Andrew’s College in Dublin before pursuing a degree in Acting, Theatre Production, and Theatre Design at New York University.

Hewson’s professional acting debut came in 2005 … Read more

Cillian Murphy headshot

Cillian Murphy

Actors - C
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Cillian Murphy headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 25 May 1976, Douglas, Cork, Ireland.

At the age of ten, Cillian Murphy started writing and performing songs, eventually forming a band with his brother, Páidi, called Sons of Mr. Green Genes. Despite early interest from record labels, Murphy’s passion for acting gradually drew him away from music.

In 1996, while studying law at University College Cork, Murphy’s theatre aspirations came to life. He made his professional debut in Enda Walsh’s play “Disco Pigs,” a role he reprised for the 2001 film adaptation. This breakthrough performance marked the beginning of a transition from musician to actor.

Cillian … Read more

Sarah Bolger

Sarah Bolger

Actors - S
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Sarah Bolger

Mini Biography

Born: 28 February 1991, Dublin, Ireland. 

Sarah Bolger was born to Monica and Derek Bolger, a housewife and a butcher respectively. She has a younger sister, Emma, who is also an actress.

Sarah Bolger began her acting career at the age of eight, when she and her sister auditioned for the film In America (2003), directed by Jim Sheridan. They both got the roles of the daughters of Irish immigrants in New York. Bolger received critical acclaim for her performance and won several awards, including an Independent Spirit Award and a Satellite Award.

Sarah Bolger continued to act … Read more

Saoirse Ronan headshot

Saoirse Ronan

Actors - S
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Saoirse Ronan headshot

Mini Biography

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

Saoirse Ronan is an Irish-American actress known for her remarkable talent and versatility in the film industry. Saoirse’s name, pronounced “Sir-sha,” means “freedom” in Irish, a fitting moniker for a performer who has established herself as one of the most captivating young actors of her generation.

Saoirse was raised primarily in Ireland by her Irish parents, Monica and Paul Ronan, who both worked in the entertainment industry. Her early exposure to the world of acting and performance set the stage for a career that would see her rise to international … Read more

Caitriona Balfe headshot

Caitriona Balfe

Actors - C
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Caitriona Balfe headshot

Mini Biography

Born: October 4, 1979, Dublin, Ireland.

Caitriona Balfe started her career as a fashion model after being discovered by a modeling agency at the age of 19. She moved to Paris and quickly became one of the most sought-after models in the industry. During this time she worked with some of the world’s top designers such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton.

After several successful years as a model Balfe decided to pursue acting full-time. Her first major role came in 2011 when she appeared alongside Sylvester Stallone in “The Escape Plan”. However it wasn’t until … Read more

Aidan Turner headshot

Aidan Turner

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Aidan Turner headshot

Mini Biography

Born 19 June 1983, Clondalkin, Dublin, Ireland.

Aidan Turner, by his own admission, wasn’t a particularly dedicated student, finding more allure in cars and pool halls than textbooks. However, a spark ignited during his time at the Gaiety School of Acting, graduating in 2004.

Aidan Turner’s early career was honed on the Dublin stage. He appeared in productions at the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s national theatre, tackling well-known plays like “The Plough and the Stars” and “Romeo and Juliet.” These experiences instilled a strong foundation in classical acting, a quality that would later translate to his screen presence.

In … Read more