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List of American Actors with Irish Descent
Have you ever wondered about the American actors who have Irish roots and add a touch of Irish magic to your favorite movies? Look no further as we have rounded up a list of super cool American actors who celebrate their Irish heritage and are making waves in Hollywood. These actors not only bring a bit of Irish charm to the big screen but also showcase their amazing performances and tons of talent.
So, get ready to cheer for these fantastic stars who prove that having Irish roots and being American is a winning combination in the world of showbiz!
Top Irish American Actors
Did you know that Colin Farrell, Pierce Brosnan, and Michael Fassbender are all of Irish descent? Let’s take a look at some actors and veterans who share this heritage. You may be surprised by some of the names.
Liam Neeson
Born in Northern Ireland, Liam Neeson is known for his deep voice and commanding presence on screen. He rose to prominence with his acclaimed starring role in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 Oscar winner Schindler’s List. He has since starred in several other successful films, including Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Taken, Michael Collins, Les Misérables, Batman Begins, Kinsey, Clash of the Titans, and The Chronicles of Narnia series.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis is widely considered one of the greatest actors of his time. His father, who was born in the Irish town of Ballintubbert, County Laois, was of Protestant Anglo-Irish descent, He gained recognition for his outstanding performances in movies like My Beautiful Laundrette (1985), A Room with a View (1985), and The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988). He won Academy Awards for his roles in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012). He was also nominated for an Oscar for his roles in In the Name of the Father (1993), Gangs of New York (2002), and Phantom Thread (2017). Some of his notable movies include The Last of the Mohicans (1992), The Age of Innocence (1993), The Crucible (1996), and The Boxer (1997).
Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender is an actor of Irish-German descent who has starred in several critically acclaimed films, including “Inglourious Basterds” (2009), “12 Years a Slave” (2013), and “Steve Jobs” (2015). In 2008, he played the role of Irish republican Bobby Sands during the 1981 Irish hunger strike in Steve McQueen’s historical drama “Hunger”. This performance earned him the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards and the Irish Film and Television Awards. In 2014, he reprised his role as Magneto in the superhero sequel “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” which grossed over $747 million at the box office, making it his highest-grossing release as of September 2019.
Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell is an actor from Ireland who has starred in a wide range of movies, from action-packed films like “Daredevil” (2003) to independent dramas such as “The Lobster” (2015). In 2020, The Irish Times recognized him as the fifth-greatest film actor in Ireland, and in 2023, Time magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and nominations, including two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award nomination.
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan is a renowned Irish actor, famously known for portraying secret agent James Bond in four Bond films, namely GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day. He has also appeared in other films, such as “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) and “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1999). Additionally, he has lent his voice to multiple James Bond video games. Brosnan has received two Golden Globe Award nominations, for the miniseries Nancy Astor (1982) and for the dark comedy film The Matador (2005).
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a prominent Irish actor in Hollywood. He has appeared in several notable films, including Michael Collins (1996), Velvet Goldmine (1998), Titus (1999), Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Alexander (2004), Match Point (2005), and Mission: Impossible III (2006). Additionally, he has played significant roles on TV, such as Elvis Presley in the biographical miniseries Elvis (2005), for which he won a Golden Globe Award and received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He also played King Henry VIII in the historical drama The Tudors (2007-10), which earned him two Golden Globe Award nominations.
Jack Reynor
Rising star Jack Reynor, hailing from Longmont, Colorado, has established himself with compelling performances. From “Transformers: Age of Extinction” to the haunting “Midsommar,” Reynor brings a dynamic presence to the screen.
Domhnall Gleeson
Domhnall Gleeson is an Irish actor who has appeared in a number of films, including “Ex Machina” (2014), “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015), and “The Revenant” (2015).
Chris O’Dowd
Born in Boyle, Chris O’Dowd is a comedic force in both film and television. Renowned for his role in “Bridesmaids,” he has also charmed audiences in the beloved TV series “The IT Crowd,” showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is an Irish actor who has appeared in a number of films, including “28 Days Later” (2002), “Inception” (2010), and “Dunkirk” (2017). He is also known for his role as Thomas Shelby in the BBC series “Peaky Blinders” (2013-2019).
Stuart Townsend
Stuart Townsend, born in Howth, has made his mark in both film and television. Known for his roles in “Queen of the Damned” and “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” Townsend’s talent spans a variety of genres.
Liam Cunningham
Liam Cunningham, born in Dublin, has garnered acclaim for his versatile roles in film and television. Notable for portraying Davos Seaworth in “Game of Thrones,” he has also delivered powerful performances in films like “Hunger” and “The Wind That Shakes the Barley.”
Stephen Rea
A native of Belfast, Stephen Rea is an accomplished actor known for his captivating performances. His standout roles in “The Crying Game” and “V for Vendetta” showcase his ability to bring depth and nuance to complex characters.
Brendan Gleeson
Brendan Gleeson is an Irish actor who has appeared in a number of films, including “Braveheart” (1995), “Gangs of New York” (2002), and “In Bruges” (2008). He has also appeared in a number of television shows, including “Mr. Mercedes” (2017-2019).
Gabriel Byrne
Gabriel Byrne is an Irish actor who has appeared in a number of films, including “The Usual Suspects” (1995), “Miller’s Crossing” (1990), and “Little Women” (1994). He has also appeared in a number of television shows, including “In Treatment” (2008-2010).
also read about Top Irish American Actresses
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