Irish actors born in 1959
Here are 7 famous actors from Republic of Ireland were born in 1959:
Gavin Friday
Gavin Friday (October 8, 1959 Dublin-) also known as Fionan Martin Hanvey, Fionán Martin Hanvey or Mr. Gavin Friday is an Irish musician, record producer, actor, singer-songwriter, painter and composer.
He is known for his work as the lead singer and co-founder of the post-punk band, The Virgin Prunes. After the band's break-up in the late 1980s, Friday continued to pursue a successful solo career, releasing several albums including "Each Man Kills the Thing He Loves" and "Catholic". Friday's music is often experimental and incorporates elements of various genres, including rock, punk, electronic, and classical music. In addition to his musical career, Friday has also acted in films such as "In the Name of the Father" and "Breakfast on Pluto". He is also a renowned painter and has had his artwork exhibited in galleries around the world.
In the early 1990s, Friday began working as a record producer, collaborating with artists such as U2, The Cranberries, and Nico. He also composed the score for several films, including "The Boxer" and "Three Kings". Friday's unique blend of music, art, and performance has earned him a significant cult following, and he has been cited as an influence by many contemporary musicians. In 2011, he curated "My Generation", an exhibition at the Irish Museum of Modern Art that explored the impact of the 1960s on Irish culture. Friday continues to create and collaborate across multiple disciplines, and remains an important figure in the Irish artistic community.
Despite being a prominent figure in the Irish music scene, Gavin Friday's influence extends beyond his home country. In the early 2000s, he collaborated with composer Bono and musician Maurice Seezer on the soundtrack for the film "In America", which was nominated for a Golden Globe award. Friday has also collaborated with musicians from around the world, including German composer and producer, Hans Zimmer, on the soundtrack for the film "The Dark Knight" and its sequel "The Dark Knight Rises".
Throughout his career, Friday has been vocal about his support for LGBTQ+ rights and has used his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting the community. He has been recognized for his activism and was awarded the inaugural Spirit of Ireland award in 2017 for his contributions to the arts in Ireland.
In addition to his work in music, art, and film, Friday is also a published author. He released his memoir, "The Light of Day", in 2019 which explores his personal and artistic journey, including his childhood in Dublin and his experiences with The Virgin Prunes.
Gavin Friday continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his unique and boundary-pushing approach to art and performance.
Arthur Mathews
Arthur Mathews (April 30, 1959 County Meath-) also known as Arthur Matthews is an Irish actor, television producer, screenwriter and television director.
He gained notoriety for his work as a writer and actor on the Irish sketch comedy show "Father Ted". He co-wrote the series with Graham Linehan, and the show won multiple BAFTA awards during its run. Matthews also wrote and directed the BBC comedy series "Toast of London", and has worked on other popular television shows such as "The Fast Show" and "Big Train". Matthews has also had a successful career as a musician, and has released several albums with his band, The Blueberrys.
Throughout his career, Arthur Matthews has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry, winning numerous awards for his work. He has been awarded the Writer's Guild of Great Britain Award for Best TV Comedy, the BAFTA for Best Comedy (Father Ted), and the Rose d'Or for Best Comedy (Toast of London). On top of his television work, Matthews has also written several stage plays, including "The Second Half" and "I Keano", which have been performed in theaters throughout Ireland. In addition to his creative pursuits, Matthews is also known for his passion for animal rights and has been involved in several animal welfare campaigns throughout his career.
Matthews started his career as a musician and played in several bands before pursuing a career in comedy writing. His early comedy writing work includes writing for the UK version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and the satirical news show, "Weekending". In addition to his television work, Matthews has also written several books, including "Father Ted: The Complete Scripts" and "Toast on Toast: Cautionary tales and candid advice". Matthews has been involved in several charitable causes and has worked with organizations such as Comic Relief and Amnesty International. He was awarded the Special Achievement Award at the Irish Film and Television Awards in 2015 for his contributions to Irish television. Today, Matthews continues to work in the entertainment industry, and his contributions to comedy have earned him a place as one of Ireland's most respected and admired comedians.
Aidan Quinn
Aidan Quinn (March 8, 1959 Chicago-) a.k.a. Aidan T. Quinn is an Irish actor. He has two children, Ava Eileen Quinn and Mia Quinn.
Quinn began his acting career in theater, including a stint with the prestigious theater company, The Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. He later transitioned to film and television, starring in movies such as "Desperately Seeking Susan" and "Legends of the Fall," as well as TV shows like "Elementary" and "The Black Donnellys." Quinn is also an accomplished stage actor, having appeared in numerous Broadway productions. In addition to acting, Quinn is known for his activism and charity work, including involvement with organizations such as the charity Concern Worldwide and the support group Celebrate Mercy.
He is also an advocate for the environment, animal rights, and peace. Quinn has also directed a few films, including "Evel Knievel" and "The Eclipse." He has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including an Emmy for his performance in "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" and a Tony for his role in "A Streetcar Named Desire." He continues to work in the entertainment industry, with recent credits including the film "The Shine" and the TV series "Innocent." In his free time, Quinn enjoys spending time with his family and practicing his favorite hobbies, such as fishing and woodworking.
Aidan Quinn was born into an Irish-American family, along with his brothers Paul, Robert, and Declan. His parents, Teresa and Michael Quinn, were originally from Ireland and raised their children in a strict Roman Catholic household. Quinn's interest in acting began when he was a teenager, and he went on to study drama at the prestigious DePaul University in Chicago.
Quinn's early career included appearances in off-Broadway productions and several episodes of the popular TV series "Miami Vice." His breakout role came in the 1985 film "Desperately Seeking Susan," in which he played the love interest of Madonna's character. This led to a string of successful film roles, including "The Mission," "Avalon," and "Benny & Joon."
In addition to his work on stage and screen, Quinn is also a talented musician. He plays several instruments, including the guitar and the bodhran (an Irish drum), and has performed with various bands and musical groups.
Outside of his artistic endeavors, Quinn is deeply committed to social causes and has been involved with numerous charities and advocacy groups throughout his career. He is a longtime supporter of the Irish humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide, and has also been involved with groups focused on issues such as mental health, addiction, and homelessness.
Despite his many achievements, Quinn remains humble and focused on his work. In interviews, he often emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing one's passions with dedication and perseverance.
Lorcan Cranitch
Lorcan Cranitch (August 28, 1959 Dublin-) is an Irish actor.
He started his career as a stage actor in the 1980s and later transitioned to film and television. Cranitch is best known for his roles in TV shows such as "Rome," "Love/Hate," and "The White Princess." He has also appeared in films such as "The Adventures of Tintin" and "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword." In addition to his acting career, Cranitch is an accomplished voice actor and has lent his voice to numerous video games and animated series. He has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including an Irish Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in "Parked." Outside of acting, Cranitch is also an avid golfer and has played in several celebrity golf tournaments.
Cranitch was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He attended Trinity College Dublin, where he studied drama and English literature. After graduation, he began working in theater, performing with a number of Irish companies including the Abbey Theatre and the Gate Theatre. In the early 1990s, he began to gain recognition for his television work in shows such as "Ballykissangel" and "Cracker."
In addition to his acting career, Cranitch has been actively involved in the Irish theater community. He has directed a number of productions and has also founded his own theater company, First Draft Theatre Company.
Cranitch has also been an advocate for various charitable causes over the years. He has been a patron of the Irish Hospice Foundation and has supported organizations such as Amnesty International and the Simon Community, which works to combat homelessness in Ireland.
In recent years, Cranitch has continued to work on both stage and screen. He has appeared in the HBO miniseries "Chernobyl" and the ITV drama "The Bay," among other projects. He currently lives in London with his wife, actress Olivia Caffrey, and their two children.
Cranitch's interest in acting began at a young age, when he would perform plays with his siblings and friends. He cites his father, Ronnie Cranitch, a well-known Irish traditional musician, as one of his biggest inspirations. In fact, Cranitch himself is an accomplished musician and has played in several bands over the years.
Aside from his work in film and television, Cranitch is also a familiar face on the stage. He has appeared in numerous productions in London's West End as well as in Dublin, New York and Sydney. Some of his notable stage credits include "The Seafarer," "Translations," and "The Threepenny Opera."
In addition to his golfing hobby, Cranitch is a keen cyclist and has participated in charity cycle rides in aid of cancer research. He is also a supporter of environmental causes and has spoken out about the importance of taking action to combat climate change.
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Cranitch remains grounded and committed to his craft. He once said in an interview, "I feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I love for a living. I never take it for granted and I'm constantly striving to improve and challenge myself as an actor."
Sean Campion
Sean Campion (December 20, 1959 Freshford, County Kilkenny-) is an Irish actor.
He has established himself as a versatile and talented actor with performances in film, television, and theatre. After training at the Samuel Beckett Centre at Trinity College Dublin, Campion began his acting career on stage, performing in productions of plays by Samuel Beckett, Tom Stoppard, and other esteemed playwrights.
Campion has appeared in a number of successful films, including "The General" (1998), "Saltwater" (2000), and "Shooting for Socrates" (2014). He has also been a prolific presence on television, with notable roles in "The Clinic" (2004-2009), "Single-Handed" (2007-2010), and "Red Rock" (2016-2018).
In addition to his work in film and television, Campion has maintained a strong presence in the theatre world. He has performed in a number of productions in Ireland, Britain, and the United States, including the acclaimed production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
Campion has been recognized for his contributions to the arts with several awards and nominations, including a Best Actor nomination at the Irish Film and Television Awards for his role in "The Butcher Boy" (1997). He continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a celebrated actor in Ireland and beyond.
Campion's love for the arts began at a young age, and he credits his grandmother for instilling in him a passion for theatre. His first professional acting role came in 1985 in a production of Samuel Beckett's "Krapp's Last Tape," which was directed by Irish theatre legend, Patrick Mason. Since then, he has performed in numerous productions in both leading and supporting roles.
In addition to his success in acting, Campion has also taught at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and has served as a drama tutor at the University of Leeds. He has also directed several productions, including a critically acclaimed production of Brendan Behan's "The Hostage" at the Tricycle Theatre in London.
Despite his accomplishments, Campion remains humble and committed to his craft. He believes that an actor's job is to "serve the writer and serve the story," and he strives to do so in every performance. He continues to push himself creatively and looks for opportunities to challenge himself as an actor.
Campion has also been involved in several radio productions, including RTÉ Radio 1's adaptation of James Joyce's "Dubliners" and BBC Radio 4's "The Chronicles of Long Kesh." He is known for his versatility as an actor, able to adapt to a variety of roles and genres with ease. In 2018, he portrayed Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins in the production "Collins and Dev" at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.Outside of his acting career, Campion is passionate about environmental issues and has been involved in several campaigns to protect the Irish landscape. He is also a keen musician, playing the accordion and guitar, and has been known to sing traditional Irish songs at events and gatherings.Campion's dedication to his craft and his commitment to social and environmental issues have made him a respected figure in Irish culture. He continues to inspire younger generations of actors through his teaching and mentorship, and his legacy as an actor and activist is sure to endure for many years to come.
Finbar Lynch
Finbar Lynch (August 28, 1959 Dublin-) a.k.a. Barry Lynch is an Irish actor. He has one child, Callam Lynch.
Finbar Lynch graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1981 and has since had a successful career on stage, screen, and television. Some of his notable stage performances include "The Duchess of Malfi" and "Antony and Cleopatra." He also appeared in several films, including "Suffolk Strangler" and "The Commander: Virus." Lynch has also made appearances in several popular television shows such as "The Bill" and "Doctor Who." In addition to his acting career, Lynch has taught drama in various schools and universities. He is also a trustee of the Actors Centre in London.
Lynch has received critical acclaim for his performances onstage, earning several award nominations throughout his career. He received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for his role in "Not About Nightingales" at the National Theatre in 1998. He also won the Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance in "The Herbal Bed" at the Royal Exchange Theatre in 1997.
In addition to his work in theatre, film and television, Lynch has also done voiceover work for several video games, including "Fable II" and "Dragon Age II." He has also worked as a narrator for several audiobooks.
Outside of his professional career, Lynch is known for his activism and support of various charitable causes. He has supported organizations such as Shelter and Amnesty International, and has also worked with local community groups in London.
Lynch's passion for the arts led him to create his own theatre company, Big Fish, which focuses on producing new and innovative works. He has also written and directed several plays for the company, including "The Sea Plays" and "On the Third Day."
In addition to his theatrical work, Lynch has also appeared in several radio productions, including "The Archers" and "The Pickwick Papers." He is also a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4's "Front Row" program, where he discusses various arts and cultural topics.
Lynch's dedication to the arts was recognized in 2003 when he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Ulster. He continues to inspire and educate young actors through his teaching at various drama schools and universities.
Despite his success, Lynch remains humble and committed to his craft. He once said in an interview, "As an actor, you never really feel like you've arrived. You're always learning and growing, and that's what keeps it exciting for me."
Ciarán O`Reilly
Ciarán O`Reilly (March 13, 1959 Cavan-) also known as Ciaran O'Reilly is an Irish actor and theatre director.
He is the co-founder and producing director of the Irish Repertory Theatre, which is located in New York City. O'Reilly has received numerous awards for his contributions to the world of theatre, including the Eugene O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award and the Irish American Writers and Artists Eugene O'Neill Award. He has acted in and directed many productions at the Irish Repertory Theatre, as well as other theatres throughout the United States and Ireland. O'Reilly has also appeared in several films and television shows, including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Sopranos." In addition to his work in theatre and film, he is also a respected acting teacher and has taught at universities and acting schools throughout the United States.
O'Reilly was born in Cavan, Ireland and grew up in Dublin. He began acting in local theatre productions as a teenager and later trained at the Abbey Theatre School of Acting. After establishing himself as an actor in Ireland, O'Reilly moved to New York in the 1980s and co-founded the Irish Repertory Theatre with his wife, Charlotte Moore. The theatre has since become a major cultural institution in New York City, showcasing the work of Irish and Irish-American playwrights and actors.
Under O'Reilly's leadership, the Irish Repertory Theatre has produced numerous acclaimed productions, including revivals of classic plays by Irish writers such as Sean O'Casey and Eugene O'Neill, as well as new works by contemporary Irish playwrights. In addition to his work at the Irish Repertory Theatre, O'Reilly has directed productions at other theatres throughout the United States and in Ireland.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, O'Reilly has received numerous awards and honors, including the Eugene O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award, the Irish American Writers and Artists Eugene O'Neill Award, and the Presidential Distinguished Service Award from President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland. He has also been inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame.
In addition to his work as a theatre artist, O'Reilly is also a respected acting teacher and has taught at universities and acting schools throughout the United States. He is a member of the Actors Studio and has served on the faculty of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.
O'Reilly has also written and produced plays, including "The Mourning After," which he wrote and directed at the Irish Repertory Theatre. He is known for his commitment to promoting and preserving Irish culture and heritage through the arts. In addition to his work with the Irish Repertory Theatre, he has served as the chairman of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and founded the Irish Theatre Artists Company in Dublin.O'Reilly is known for his deep love of Irish literature and has adapted several classic works for the stage, including James Joyce's "The Dead" and Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes." He is known for his ability to bring these works to life on stage, creating vivid and memorable productions that transport audiences to another time and place. O'Reilly's contributions to the world of theatre have been widely recognized, and he is considered one of the most important voices in contemporary Irish theatre.