Ireland has been producing some of the finest actors and actresses in today’s entertainment industry. From seasoned veterans to emerging stars, these Irish performers have made their mark on stage and screen alike.
Whether it be for an Oscar-winning performance or a critically acclaimed TV series, these actors have achieved international success.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most renowned Irish actors and actresses who have made their mark across both film and television.
We’ll explore their early beginnings, how they rose to stardom and what makes them so special today. So sit back, relax, and let us take you through Ireland’s top talent!
Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson is an esteemed Irish actor, who has become known for his roles in iconic films such as Schindler’s List and Taken. He began his acting career on the stage before moving to Hollywood, where he gained major recognition for his off-beat action roles.
He has also starred in romantic comedies such as Love Actually, epic dramas like Kingdom of Heaven, and fantasy films such as The Chronicles of Narnia.
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan is one of Ireland’s most promising young actors. She first made her name with her starring performance in Atonement at age 13 and since then has gone from strength to strength.
In 2018 she was nominated for an Oscar for her lead role in Lady Bird, and has also had critically acclaimed roles in films like Brooklyn, Mary Queen of Scots, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Colin Farrell
Irish actor Colin Farrell is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood today. He first gained recognition for his breakout role in Tigerland, but it was his leading performance in the 2003 romantic comedy Phone Booth that solidified him as a star.
Since then he’s gone on to act in an array of genres including action, sci-fi, drama and comedy. Some of his more notable recent works include Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, The Lobster, and Widows.
Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is an Irish actor whose career has been marked by its versatility. After small early roles in films such as 28 Days Later and The Wind That Shakes The Barley, he became a household name with his starring performance in the iconic zombie film Shaun of the Dead.
Since then, he has gone on to star in period dramas like Peaky Blinders and Dunkirk, science-fiction thrillers like Inception and Transcendence, and much more.
Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender is an Irish actor who has become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars over the past decade. After appearing supporting roles in Inglorious Basterds and X-Men: First Class, he was propelled into the spotlight with lead performances in award-winning films like Shame and 12 Years A Slave.
He’s also starred in big budget films such as Steve Jobs, Alien: Covenant and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Brendan Gleeson
Irish actor Brendan Gleeson is an acclaimed performer who has become known for his versatile roles in both independent and commercial projects over the past two decades.
He rose to prominence after starring in Braveheart, but is perhaps best known for his comedic turns in films like The Guard, In Bruge, and the Harry Potter series. He’s also had leading roles in critically acclaimed dramas such as Calvary and Suffragette.
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor best known for playing James Bond in a four film run from 1995 – 2002. During his tenure as Bond, he also starred in other major films such as Dante’s Peak and The Thomas Crown Affair.
He has since gone on to act in hit films like Mamma Mia! and Love Is All You Need, as well as appear in television shows such as Remington Steele and The Son.
Gabriel Byrne
Irish actor Gabriel Byrne is an acclaimed performer who has had an impressive career spanning four decades. He rose to prominence with a starring role in the 1993 film In the Name of the Father, before going on to star in a variety of independent projects such as Miller’s Crossing and Into The West.
Recently, he was seen in hits like Louder Than Bombs and Cool Runnings, along with TV series like Vikings and Little Women.
Domhnall Gleeson
Domhnall Gleeson is the son of actor Brendan Gleeson and a star in his own right. His breakthrough performance was as Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter films, but he’s since gone on to play major roles in critically acclaimed films such as About Time, Ex Machina, and The Revenant. He has also had supporting roles in big budget franchises like Star Wars and Jurassic World.
Ruth Negga
Ruth Negga is an Irish actress who first came to prominence with her lead role in the 2006 film Capital Letters. She went on to appear in other projects such as Misfits and War Machine before receiving critical acclaim for her role opposite Joel Edgerton in the 2016 drama Loving. She has since starred in films such as Ad Astra and Widows, while also appearing on television shows like Preacher and Love/Hate.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Jonathan Rhys Meyers is an Irish actor who first gained recognition for his role in Velvet Goldmine before going on to star in acclaimed films like Bend It Like Beckham and Match Point. He’s perhaps best known for his starring role as Elvis Presley in the biopic Elvis, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. More recently he’s been seen in hit series such as The Tudors and Dracula, along with independent films like Byzantium.
Evanna Lynch
Irish actress Evanna Lynch first rose to fame for her portrayal of Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter film series. Since then, she has gone on to appear in projects such as G.B.F and My Name is Emily, while also appearing in a number of stage productions. She’s also been involved in activism work with organizations like PETA and The Harry Potter Alliance.
Aidan Gillen
Irish actor Aidan Gillen first gained recognition for his role as Stuart Alan Jones on the television show Queer As Folk before going on to become one of the most recognizable stars on the small screen with his performances on Game Of Thrones and Peaky Blinders. He’s since had supporting roles in films like Sing Street and Boogie Nights, along with starring roles in independent projects like The Wire and Calvary.
Jamie Dornan
Irish actor Jamie Dornan first gained recognition for his role on the television show Once Upon A Time before going on to become an international star with his starring role in Fifty Shades Of Grey. He’s since had lead roles in films such as A Private War, Anthropoid, and The Fall, while also appearing in smaller projects such as Shadowlands and Wild Mountain Thyme.
Chris O’Dowd
Irish comedian/actor Chris O’Dowd first rose to fame for his performances on the British sitcoms The IT Crowd and The Sketch Show, before making a successful transition to feature films with hits like Bridesmaids and This Is 40. He’s since gone on to appear in a variety of projects including Get Shorty, The Boat That Rocked, and Moone Boy, as well as voicing the character of Mr. Fischoeder on Bob’s Burgers.
Kenneth Branagh
Irish actor Kenneth Branagh is an acclaimed filmmaker and performer who has worked across stage, television, and film for the past four decades. He first gained recognition with his starring role in Much Ado About Nothing before going on to direct hits like Henry V and Hamlet. In recent years he’s been seen in films such as Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and Murder On The Orient Express, while also appearing on television shows such as Wallander and The Sleeping Prince.
Andrew Scott
Irish actor Andrew Scott first gained recognition for his role as Moriarty in the BBC series Sherlock before going on to appear in a variety of films and television shows. He’s since had lead roles in projects such as Pride, Spectre, and Black Mirror, while also appearing in stage productions like Hamlet and No Man’s Land.
The Many Famous Faces and Names from Ireland
These Irish actors and actresses have had a major impact on both the small and big screens, with their performances often garnering award nominations and critical acclaim. They’ve also become household names around the world, making them some of the most recognizable stars in entertainment today.
With more projects on the horizon for each of these actors, it’s safe to say that their careers are far from over!
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