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Ireland has a long history of producing talented actors, from classic Hollywood stars like Maureen O’Hara and Peter O’Toole to modern-day heavyweights like Liam Neeson and Saoirse Ronan. In recent years, a new generation of Irish actors has emerged, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds to the screen. In 2022, so many series and films won the hearts of many on streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, and the upcoming series we’ll see in 2023 will likely feature some amazing young stars. Before the new year begins, we look at some of the best up-and-coming Irish actors to watch out for in the coming years.
1. Barry Keoghan
Barry Keoghan is a Dublin-born actor who first gained recognition for his role in the film Dunkirk. He has since starred in several other high-profile movies, including The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Calm With Horses. Keoghan has also made appearances on television, including in the series Love/Hate and Chernobyl. Most recently, Keoghan starred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s The Eternals as Druig, a superhero able to control minds.
2. Seána Kerslake
Seána Kerslake is a Dublin-born actress. She first gained attention for her role in the film A Date for Mad Mary, and has since appeared in several other movies, including The Hole in the Ground and The Winter Lake. Kerslake has received widespread acclaim for her performances and has won several awards, including an Irish Film & Television Academy Award.
3. Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley is an Irish actress and singer who has appeared in various film, television, and theater productions. She is best known for her roles in the series Chernobyl and The Last Post, as well as the film Wild Rose. Buckley has received numerous awards and accolades for her performances, including a British Independent Film Award and a Critics’ Choice Television Award; she’s definitely one to watch.
4. Paul Mescal
Paul Mescal is a young and up-and-coming Irish actor who has gained widespread recognition for his breakout role in the television series Normal People. Mescal, who is from County Kildare, Ireland, has received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Connell Waldron in the series and has won several awards for his performance, including an Irish Film & Television Academy Award. Mescal has made a name for himself both in Ireland and abroad, with several U.S.-based magazine, including People, nominating him for having the sexiest eyes.
In addition to his work on Normal People, Mescal has also appeared in the television series The Deceived and the film Herself. With his talent and range as an actor, Mescal is certainly one to watch in the coming years.
5. Eileen O’Higgins
Eileen O’Higgins is a young Irish actress from Northern Ireland. She’s starred in various films and is probably best known for her roles in the films Brooklyn and Mary Queen of Scots and the television series Outlander. O’Higgins has received widespread acclaim for her performances and has won several awards, including an Irish Film & Television Academy Award.
6. Moe Dunford
Moe Dunford is an Irish actor from County Waterford, Ireland. He is best known for his roles in the films Michael Inside and The Young Offenders and the television series Vikings. Dunford has received widespread acclaim for his performances and has won several awards, including an Irish Film & Television Academy Award. In addition to his acting career, Dunford has also worked as a theater director and has performed in several stage productions.
7. Finn O’Shea
Fionn O’Shea is a Dublin-born actor best known for his roles in the films Handsome Devil and The Siege of Jadotville and the television series The Tudors. O’Shea has received widespread acclaim for his performances and has won several awards, including an Irish Film & Television Academy Award. In addition to his acting career, O’Shea has also worked as a theater director and has performed in several stage productions. As a versatile actor, O’Shea is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the acting world.
8. Amybeth McNulty
The Irish-Canadian actress recently starred in Season 4 of the Netflix series Stranger Things. Before this, she played Anne in the series Anne With An E, where she won an ACTRA Toronto Award for Outstanding Performance.
These are just a few of the many talented young Irish actors and actresses who are making a splash in the industry. With their impressive resumes and undeniable talent, these actors and actresses will make a big impact in the industry and continue to showcase the wealth of talent that Ireland has to offer on an international stage.
