Ireland has nurtured a pool of acting talent that has shone on both the silver screen and the stage, delivering exceptional performances. This article aims to go a bit deeper into the lives of some actors who have left an indelible mark on the realm of acting.
| Actor | Number of Appearances | Major Awards | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brendan Gleeson | 80+ | Emmy Award, 2 IFTA Awards, Golden Globe nomination | 1989–present |
| Maureen O’Hara | 60+ | Honorary Academy Award | 1938–2000 |
| Saoirse Ronan | 30+ | 4 Oscar nominations, Golden Globe | 2003–present |
| Colin Farrell | 50+ | Golden Globe | 1997–present |
| Liam Neeson | 90+ | Academy Award nomination, Golden Globes | 1976–present |
| Liam Cunningham | 50+ | IFTA Award | 1992–present |
| Maria Doyle Kennedy | 40+ | IFTA Award, Canadian Screen Award | 1991–present |
| Fionnula Flanagan | 70+ | IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award | 1965–present |
| Pierce Brosnan | 60+ | Saturn Award, European Film Award | 1980–present |
| Domhnall Gleeson | 30+ | IFTA Award, Tony Award nomination | 2001–present |
| Michael Fassbender | 40+ | 2 Oscar nominations, BAFTA | 2001–present |
| Jamie Dornan | 20+ | Irish Film & Television Academy Award (IFTA) | 2006–present |
| Barry Keoghan | 25+ | BAFTA Rising Star Award, Oscar nomination | 2011–present |
| Andrew Scott | 30+ | Olivier Awards, BAFTA TV Award | 1995–present |
| Ruth Negga | 25+ | Oscar nomination, Irish Film & Television Award | 2004–present |
Choosing the Best Irish Actors
Even writing this title, I argued with myself because there are endless possibilities. I mean, are we talking about new actors? Classic actors from the 1900s? Or are we talking about 80's and 90's actors? Because Ireland really does produce some of the best!
Perhaps the most refreshing realisation that surfaced in the construction of this list is the amount of acting talent that hails from this small island.
If you plan on learning how to act or pursuing your career here in Ireland, then you will find yourself in good company. Many of the names that are featured in this article walk in your very footsteps and prove how attainable a career in acting really is.
Above all else, deep in my soul, I'm a tough Irishwoman.
Maureen O'Hara
Let's get right into the mix and discuss some of the biggest names in Ireland. I'll then touch on some more honourable mentions, providing some context for the gravity of their achievements.
Brendan Gleeson
Brendan Gleeson’s path into the acting realm is just as captivating as his on-screen portrayals. The Dublin native entered the film scene quite late in comparison to others at the age of 34, where he swiftly rose to prominence.
His contribution to the acting world goes beyond his roles; his journey from a late start in acting to becoming one of the most respected actors in the industry is truly inspiring.
His dedication to his craft, along with his ability to seamlessly transition between diverse roles, makes him a standout figure in the Irish acting scene.
He was particularly recognised for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in "Into the Storm," which earned him two Independent Film Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.
His portrayal of Donald Trump in "The Comey Rule" also earned him a Golden Globe nomination and demonstrated his talent for embodying personalities with depth.
He is perhaps most widely known outside of Ireland for his roles in some of the best Irish films like Braveheart and the Harry Potter series, as well as his critically acclaimed performances in movies like The General and In Bruges.
Brendan Gleeson is not just an award-winning actor; he's also a talented fiddle player. Two of his sons, Domhnall and Brían Gleeson, have also become successful actors!
Apart from acting, he is also a fiddle player with a love for Irish folklore. Married to Mary Weldon since 1982, Gleeson is a family man with four sons, two of whom—Domhnall and Brían—have ventured into acting. One of them actually earned a mention in this article!
He is highly committed to his artistry and has a talent for effortlessly shifting between various characters, which sets him apart in the Irish acting community as one of the greats!
Maureen O’Hara
Moving on to another Legend to come out of Ireland’s capital, Maureen O'Hara pursued an acting career that led her to become a Hollywood star.
Her journey from Dublin to the heights of Hollywood success showcases her talent and makes her a great role model for anyone trying to get into acting on the island of Ireland and beyond!
Growing up here laid the groundwork for her career, with her breakout role in "Jamaica Inn" (1939) marking the start of a path in the film industry.
Throughout her roles, she often portrayed independent women mirroring her pioneering nature. She not only captivated audiences on screen but also championed gender equality behind the scenes.
Her achievements include receiving an Honorary Academy Award in 2014 and being ranked as the country’s greatest film actor by The Irish Times in 2020, recognising her lasting impact on cinema.
Maureen O'Haras's extraordinary career spanned decades with appearances in films like "The Lonely" (1991) and the TV movie "The Last Dance" (2000) before she passed away in 2015.
She leaves behind a skilled acting legacy that motivates generations, reflecting the determination and high standards required to pursue an acting career in Ireland and other places.
Before conquering Hollywood, Maureen O’Hara trained in fencing, swimming, and horse riding, skills that helped her land adventurous roles early in her career!
Saoirse Ronan
Another great actor who is still in the early stages of her career despite featuring in some blockbuster titles, Saoirse Ronan is a great role model for young actors in Ireland.
She’s not even 30, but she has starred in some of Hollywood's highest-ranking and most profitable movies of the last two decades!
She consistently delivers nuanced and utterly captivating performances. Her versatility seemingly has no limits, allowing her to switch between genres and time periods, leaving a lasting impression each time she appears on screen.
Ronan received her first Oscar nomination when she was just 13 for her performance as Briony Tallis in Atonement.
We can probably all recall seeing her in Brooklyn and feeling an immense sense of pride in claiming her as one of our own. She just exudes this charm and presence that demands attention.
Her ability to connect deeply with audiences positions her as a blueprint for aspiring actors who want to experience the transformative power of the art of acting firsthand.
Saoirse serves as a role model for aspiring actors in Ireland and worldwide, showcasing the possibilities that come with talent coupled with a strong passion for the art.
Colin Farrell
The next honourable mention on this list actually co-starred in several movies alongside Brendan Gleeson. The pair seem to do a fantastic job of complementing each other in their performances.
Colin Farrell is celebrated as a shining example of talent and adaptability in the acting scene.
From his captivating depiction of a range of characters like an assassin in "In Bruges" to a politician in "The Lobster " Farrell captivates viewers with his depth and authenticity.
What distinguishes Farrell is his captivating charm, which has endlessly aided his transition into Hollywood.
He also has an indescribable knack for grabbing attention on screen, leaving a lasting impact on each character he plays.
His willingness to venture onto the big Hollywood stage is an act of bravery that proves to all actors in Ireland that it is possible to make your wildest dreams come true.
Liam Neeson
You know that once we start discussing Liam Neeson, we're into the Holy Trinity of Irish Acting Gods.
Throughout his career, he has received several accolades, including nominations for an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Tony Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Volpi Cup.
Neeson's remarkable ability to embody characters with authenticity and depth is truly impressive.
Whether he's playing a figure in "Schindler's List", a father in "Taken", or a wise mentor in "Star Wars," Neeson's performances captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
I personally have never seen a film in which Neeson hasn't given 110% to the role he's been in, and I challenge you to try and come up with one!
His path to success is characterised by resilience and perseverance, which makes him an inspiration for aspiring actors navigating challenges in their careers.
Regardless of what kind of movies tickle your fancy, you can undoubtedly quote his famous lines from Taken! This level of stardom, coupled with his versatility as an actor, makes his place on this list well-earned!
Liam Neeson once trained as a boxer in his youth before turning to acting. He credits his discipline from boxing as helping him develop focus and resilience in his film career.
Liam Cunningham
Liam Cunningham is an actor from Dublin. He initially trained as an electrician and worked in Zimbabwe before returning to Ireland in his late twenties to pursue acting.
It shows that it's never too late to follow your passion.
He's best known internationally for his role as Ser Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones.
He's a fan favourite for his stoic presence and moral backbone.
Before Westeros, he was in Irish films like “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” and “Hunger”.
Maria Doyle Kennedy
Maria Doyle Kennedy is a triple threat whose career is hard to categorise.
She was born in Clontarf, Dublin, and gained fame as a singer with The Black Velvet Band.
As an actor, she made a name on screen with her breakout role in Alan Parker's "The Commitments" (1991).
She has a remarkable presence, radiating intelligence, quiet strength, and emotional depth in every role.
She's portrayed Catherine of Aragon in "The Tudors", Siobhán Sadler in "Orphan Black", and more recently appeared in "Outlander" and "Kin".
Fionnula Flanagan
Fionnula Flanagan is one of the most respected and enduring actors in Ireland. Born in Dublin in 1941, Flannagan trained at the Abbey Theatre before enjoying a career spanning film, television, and the stage.
Flannagan became internationally known in films like “The Others”, “Waking Ned”, and “James Joyce's Women”, a one-woman show that she adapted and starred in, playing female characters from Joyce's works.
On television, she's appeared in iconic shows, including "Lost", "Brotherhood", and three different "Star Trek" series.
In 20212, she was awarded the IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Irish arts and culture.
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan is one of the most globally recognised Irish actors. His suave sophistication and quiet intensity in the role of James Bond.
Brosnan was born in Drogheda and raised in Navan, going from a small Irish town to international stardom in a story that could have been picked straight out of Hollywood.
His rise to fame came in the 1980s in the television series "Remington Steele", which helped lay the foundation for him to be cast as the fifth official James Bond.
As 007, he appeared in films from "GoldenEye" (1995) to "Die Another Day" (2002), where he helped reinvent the role with charm and emotional complexity.
After appearing in the Bond movies, Brosnan has taken on a range of versatile roles such as “The Matador”, “The Ghost Writer”, “The Foreigner”, and “Mamma Mia!”.
Outside of acting, he's also known for his work as a UNICEF ambassador.
Domhnall Gleeson
Domhall Gleeson is one of Ireland's most dynamic and versatile actors, appearing in everything from indie gems, major blockbusters to popular tv series.
Gleeson was born in Dublin and is the son of the famous actor Brendan Gleeson. However, Domhnall has made it clear that he's out here to blaze his own trail.
His breakthrough role was as Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter series, where he shared the screen with his father, Brendan.
His leading role in the romantic time-travel drama "About Time" introduced him to a wider audience before he went on to appear in films like "Ex Machina", "Brooklyn", "The Revenant", and the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Domhnall has demonstrated that he excels in both comedy and drama, representing a new generation of grounded, thoughtful Irish talent unafraid to take risks.
Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender was born in Germany and raised in Killarney, County Kerry. Fassbender's dual heritage adds a unique edge to his work.
His breakthrough came with "Hunger" (2008), where he played IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
He has also starred in critically acclaimed films like "Shame", "12 Years a Slave", "Steve Jobs", and "Macbeth".
He also played Magneto in the X-Men series and has taken on blockbuster roles.
Fassbender offers raw power and sophistication in his roles, whether he's playing historical figures, haunted antiheroes, or sci-fi androids.
Jamie Dornan
Jamie Dornan is a talented and emotionally intelligent actor with an eye for complex characters and challenging roles.
He was born in Holywood, County Down, and began his career as a model before moving into film and television.
He gained attention for his chilling performance as serial killer Paul Spector in the BBC drama “The Fall”, a role that showcased his ability to convey both menace and vulnerability, staples of his later work.
His global stardom came with the Fifty Shades trilogy, but he moved into more nuanced roles afterwards.
His standout performance in "Belfast" earned him a Screen Actors Guild nomination. He was also in "A Private War" and "The Tourist".
His humility and dry wit offscreen have made him a likable export.
Barry Keoghan
Barry Koeghan is a performer from Dublin who was raised in foster care. His breakout came in the psychological thriller “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”, where he played the calm antagonist opposite Colin Farrell.
He also appeared in critically acclaimed films like “Dunkirk”, “American Animals”, and “The Green Knight”.
He earned an Oscar nomination for his role in "The Banshees of Inisherin", an unnerving and moving performance.
In 2023, he took the lead role in "Saltburn", cementing his status as one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actors.
Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott is one of the most versatile and emotionally rich actors today. He was born in Dublin, and an early passion for acting led him to the Abbey Theatre.
He's gained global recognition through quietly powerful and intensely human performances rather than flashy blockbuster roles.
His unforgettable portrayal of the “Hot Priest” in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's “Fleabag” showcased vulnerability, humour, and soul-searching, often within a single scene.
He was also the chilling antagonist Moriarty in “Sherlock”.
Ruth Negga
Ruth Negga was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and raised in Limerick.
She brings a unique perspective to her roles and often explores identity, love, and resilience.
She drew international attention with her role as Mildred Loving in “Loving” (2016), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
She's also known for her stage work and is a vocal advocate for diversity in the arts.
How to Become an Actor in Ireland?
Irish actors, both known and up-and-coming, are certainly making a mark on the world stage.
You can see from our list just how many of Ireland's best actors are still acting to this day, or better yet, just getting started in their careers.
Jamie Dornan is representing brands, while Paul Mescal is gaining recognition for his roles in shows like Normal People and the upcoming Gladiator 2.
This blend of performers and fresh talent showcases the changing landscape of Irish acting prowess. It also leaves plenty for aspiring actors like yourself to aspire towards and shows that this distant dream is a lot more accessible than you might think.
Every actor needs to start somewhere, so it's a good idea to get a little training first. Below are some of the types of training available to you:
- Acting schools and classes: Acting classes range widely in terms of content, time commitment, and price making them the best option for most aspiring actors.
- Acting coaches: Coaches are an important part of acting, but they’re not a substitute for other training methods. Acting coach Marci Liroff recommends starting with weekly classes, especially if you're trying to get into acting with no experience.
- Summer training: If you’re a teen actor looking to sharpen your teeth with like-minded young talents, there’s no better place than summer training.
If you are looking to etch your name on this list among some of the country’s greats, then you might want to consider enrolling in some acting classes.
Superprof has established itself as a favourite among acting students looking to improve and refine their skills in Ireland.
Here, you can filter your search according to your learning preferences and begin learning in a personalised environment that will help you target your weaknesses and navigate the industry.
Get started with your learning by heading to the homepage, inputting your location, and searching for the acting tutors available to you.
Résumer avec l'IA :
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
