Dervla Kirwan
Dervla Kirwan | |
|---|---|
 Dervla Kirwan inRed (2016 film) | |
| Born | 24 October 1971 Churchtown,Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Dervla Kirwan(born 24 October 1971) is an Irish actress. She has received a number of accolades, including twoIFTA Awardsfor her performances in the filmOndine(2009) and theRTÉthriller seriesSmother(2021–2023) respectively.
Kirwan began her career in the BBC seriesGoodnight Sweetheart(1993–1996) andBallykissangel(1996–1998), the latter of which won her aNational Television Award.This was followed by further BBC roles inHearts and Bones(2000–2001),55 Degrees North(2004–2005),True Dare Kiss(2007),Material GirlandThe Silence(both 2010). She also guest starred in theDoctor WhoChristmas special "The Next Doctor"(2008).
Early life
[edit]Kirwan was born inChurchtown,Dublin,Ireland. Her father, Peter Kirwan, was an insurance broker, and her mother, Maureen O'Driscoll, was a language teacher. She is the youngest of three daughters. She attendedLoreto BeaufortinRathfarnham,Dublin, aCatholicschool for girls, until the age of 16, when she was asked to leave as her career as an actress started to progress. Kirwan completed secondary school at the now-defunct non-denominationalSandymount High Schoolin Dublin.[1]
During an episode ofWho Do You Think You Are?that aired in 2010, Kirwan learned more about her ancestors. Her great-grandmother wasMargaret Collins-O'Driscoll,sister of Irish nationalist leaderMichael Collins.Her maternal grandfather, Finian O'Driscoll, was Collins's nephew, and served three years with theIrish Republican Army.[2][3]
Her paternal grandfather, Henry Kahn, was a Polish Jewish immigrant who had married her grandmother, Teresa O'Shea, a Catholic, in Ireland. In 1902,anti-SemiticjudgeFrederick Falkinersentenced Kahn to a year in prison for breaking a shop window. The trial was known as a "notorious miscarriage of justice" and likely inspired a passage inJames Joyce'sUlysses.[3][2]
Career
[edit]Television
[edit]Kirwan's first credited TV roles were in the TV seriesTroublesin 1988 andThe Lilac Busin 1990 alongsideStephanie Beachambased onMaeve Binchy's novel.
Her breakthrough television role was appearing in the 1991 BBC Scotland production ofA Time To Dance,adapted byMelvyn Braggfrom his own novel, playing Bernadette Kennedy.
Kirwan briefly appeared inCasualty,and in the first three seasons ofGoodnight SweetheartalongsideNicholas Lyndhurst.
For 23 episodes, from 1996 to 1998, she appeared inBallykissangelin the role of Assumpta Fitzgerald, the landlady of the village's only pub, Fitzgerald's. She reprised this role for aComic Reliefspecial ofThe Vicar of Dibley,and for aFather Tedspecial.
In 1999, she appeared in another BBC production, a made for TV Christmas film calledThe Greatest Store in the World.She played the single mother of two girls who are made homeless a few days before Christmas. Kirwan co-starred withBrian BlessedandPeter Capaldi.In 2001, she starred as Emma Rose in a BBC seriesHearts and BonesalongsideSarah Parish,Amanda Holden,Hugo SpeerandDamian Lewis.The show ran for two seasons. She also starred in the Sky TV seriesThe Bombmakeras a former IRA bomb maker.
She appeared in theBBC 1crime drama series55 Degrees NorthwithDon Gilet,which aired in 2004. She returned for a second season in 2005. The series was shown in the US under the titleThe Night Detective.
In 2007, she appeared in the BBC dramaTrue Dare Kiss.
Kirwan appeared as the villain Miss Mercy Hartigan inThe Next Doctor,the 2008 Christmas special ofDoctor Who,alongsideDavid TennantandDavid Morrissey.[4][5]
In 2009, Kirwan was in the BBC dramaMoving On,where she played Laura in the episodeDress To Impress.She also guest starred inLaw & Order: UK,playing the role of Beatrice McArdle.
Kirwan appeared in the BBC drama seriesMaterial Girl,which aired in January 2010. She was also cast in the role ofBundleinAgatha Christie's Marple.
Kirwan also appeared in the four-part BBC dramaThe Silencein 2010.[6]She played the role of Maggie, the warm-hearted aunt of a young deaf girl who witnessed a murder.The Silenceaired in July 2010.
In 2011, Kirwan worked onInjusticea five-part psychological thriller on ITV written byAnthony Horowitz.She starred as Jane Travers, wife of main character, Will Travers played byJames Purefoy.
In June 2012, Kirwan appeared on screen as Alex Demoys alongsideChristopher Ecclestonin the three part BBC1 drama miniseriesBlackout.[7]
In 2018, Kirwan guest starred in one episode of Sky'sStrike Back: Retribution.She played Rachel Sheridan who helped design Guantanamo and may have built the black site where a Jihadi leader was being held. In the same year, she also appeared in the ITV dramaStrangers(originally titledWhite Dragon) where she played the deceased wife of the titular character Jonah Mulray, played byJohn Simm.[citation needed]
In 2019, she appeared as a guest star in long-running BBC seriesSilent Witnessplaying the role of pathologist Amanda Long. In 2020, she appeared on Netflix miniseriesThe Strangeras Corinne Price.[8]
In 2020, Kirwan began work on the IrishthrillerseriesSmother,forRTÉ Television.Production began in early 2020 but was halted in mid-March, due to the introduction ofCOVID-19 restrictions in Ireland.It recommenced in August 2020 and finished in late October. The series, set and filmed inCounty Clare,Ireland, debuted onRTÉ OneandRTÉ Playerin early March 2021.[9]The series was broadcast in the UK onAlibiin autumn 2021.[10]
Stage
[edit]At the age of sixteen, Kirwan moved to London when she was cast in a play at theBush Theatre.She won acclaim in 1988 for her performance as the factory girl Linda inA Handful of Stars,the Bush Theatre premiere of the first play inBilly Roche'sWexford Trilogy.In 1992, again at the Bush, she starred in a revival of the complete trilogy.
In 1991, she appeared in the playWater Musicat theCockpit Theatre,written by award-winning playwright Lyndon Morgans (singer-songwriter with the Welshfolk noirbandSongdog). In 1992, she also starred inHushbyApril De Angelisat theRoyal Court Theatre,while January 1994 found her playing inPeter Hall's seasonal production ofGeorges Feydeau's farceAn Absolute Turkeyat theGlobe Theatre.
In 2001, she appeared in a stage production ofDangerous CornerbyJB PriestleyinLeedsalongsideRupert Penry-Jones,to whom she is now married. Kirwan again appeared on stage with Penry-Jones inLes Liaisons Dangereusesat theBristol Old Vicdirected bySamuel Westin 2003.
In 2005, she appeared on the Lyttelton stage at theNational Theatrein the role of Alice inBrian Friel'sAristocrats.In 2006, she played Bertha inExilesat the National Theatre.
In 2007, she appeared on stage inHarold Pinter'sBetrayalat theDonmar Warehouse.[11]
From April to May 2012, Kirwan appeared on stage at theChichester Festival Theatrein aJeremy Herrinproduction ofUncle Vanya.Kirwan played Sonya alongside an exceptional cast which includedRoger Allam(as Vanya),Timothy WestandLara Pulver.The play received warm reviews and response to Kirwan's performance was generally positive.[12]
In April 2013, Kirwan was cast as Valerie inJosie Rourke's revival ofThe WeirbyConor McPhersonat theDonmar Warehouse.Kirwan appeared alongsideBrian Cox,Ardal O'Hanlon,Risteard Cooper and Peter McDonald. Critics lauded the play and gave it four- and five-star ratings.[13]The Weirlater transferred to the West End, playing atWyndham's Theatrefrom January 2014 to April 2014.
In late 2014, Kirwan made her second stint at theChichester Festival Theatreas Frankie inFrankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune,a play byTerrence McNallyabout the relationship between waitress, Frankie and short-order cook, Johnny played byNeil Stuke.It was warmly received by critics who gave mostly four-star reviews. It ran from November 2014 to December 2014 at the Minerva theatre.
She appeared on stage in theChichester Festival Theatreproduction ofKing Learin 2017, directed by Jonathan Munby, where she playedGoneriltoIan McKellen's Lear.[14]
Film
[edit]In 1998, she starred alongsideChristopher Ecclestonin theMichael WinterbottomfilmWith or Without Youas Belfast girl Rosie Boyd. In 2004, Kirwan starred inSchool for Seduction,which also starredKelly Brook.In 2009, Kirwan appeared in the Irish filmOndinealongsideColin FarrellandStephen Rea.. She played Maura, the alcoholic bitter ex-girlfriend of Farrell's character, Syracuse.
In 2007, Kirwan began filming the fantasy filmLunabyDave McKean,starring alongsideBen Daniels,Stephanie LeonidasandMichael Maloney.[15]However, due to budget setbacks, filming did not resume until 2011 and was finally completed in 2013. It premiered at theToronto International Film Festivalin 2014.[16]The film was positively received by critics and Kirwan's performance was highly praised.[17][18]Lunawas awarded the Best British Film at the 2014Raindance Film Festival.[19]
She also starred in an independent thriller,Entityas Ruth Peacock.[20]The film premiered in 2013 at selected cinemas and DVD and won Best Horror film at the London Independent Film Festival 2013.
In 2016, she starred as the violent and cruel crime boss Ed inBranko Tomović's directorial debutRed.
In 2017, Kirwan appeared in the filmInterlude in Prague,taking on the role of Frau Lubtak alongsideAdrian EdmondsonandMorfydd Clark.
Other
[edit]In 1997, Kirwan sang withDustin the Turkeyon his cover of "Fairytale of New York"for his albumFaith of Our Feathers.She provided the voiceovers for the "This is not just food" television advertising campaign for UK retailerMarks & Spencerand also a string of three UKpublic information filmsabout goodfood hygienefor theFood Standards Agency.
Personal life
[edit]In 2007, Kirwan married actorRupert Penry-Jones[11]after a four-year engagement. They have two children. They met in 2001 while working on stage together in aWest Yorkshire Playhouse,Leeds,production ofJB Priestley'sDangerous Corner,when he played Robert Caplan to her Olwen Peel. Kirwan again appeared on stage with Penry-Jones inLes Liaisons Dangereusesin 2003. They also both appeared in the television showCasanovain 2005, although they did not share any scenes.
She was previously engaged to herBallykissangelco-starStephen Tompkinsonin 1998.[citation needed]
Filmography
[edit]
Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | The Fantasist | Fiona | |
| 1990 | December Bride | Young Martha | |
| 1994 | War of the Buttons | Marie | Voice role |
| 1998 | Pete's Meteor | Carmel | |
| 1999 | With or Without You | Rosie Boyd | |
| 2000 | Bee Stung Wasp | Short film | |
| 2004 | School for Seduction | Clare | |
| 2007 | Dangerous Parking | Mum | |
| 2009 | Ondine | Maura | |
| 2010 | When the Rain Comes | Anna | Short film |
| 2012 | Entity | Ruth Peacock | |
| 2014 | Luna | Christine | Short film |
| 2015 | Silent Hours | DI Jane Ambrose | |
| 2016 | Red | Ed | Short film |
| 2017 | Interlude in Prague | Frau Lubtak | |
| 2018 | The Keeper | Clarice Friar | |
| 2021 | Last Call | Leticia | Voice role |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Troubles | Viola O'Neill | 2 episodes |
| 1990 | Casualty | Anna | Episode: "Penalty" |
| The Lilac Bus | Celia | Television film | |
| 1991 | 4 Play | Morna | Episode: "In the Border Country" |
| 1992 | A Time to Dance | Bernadette Kennedy | Miniseries |
| 1993 | A Handful of Star | Television film | |
| Poor Beast in the Rain | Eileen | Television film | |
| 1993–1996 | Goodnight Sweetheart | Phoebe Sparrow / Bamford | Main role (series 1–3) |
| 1996 | Father Ted | Assumpta Fitzgerald | Christmas Special:A Christmassy Ted |
| 1996–1998 | Ballykissangel | Main role (series 1–3) | |
| 1997 | The Vicar of Dibley | Comic Relief special | |
| Mr White Goes to Westminster | The Ferret | Television film | |
| 1999 | The Dark Room | Jinx | 2 episodes |
| Eureka Street | Aoirghe | Miniseries | |
| The Flint Street Nativity | Jaye Dackers / Angel Gabriel | Television film | |
| The Greatest Store in the World | Mum | Television film | |
| 2000 | Happy Birthday Shakespeare | Kate Green | Television film |
| 2000–2001 | Hearts and Bones | Emma Rose | Main role |
| 2001 | The Bombmaker | Andrea Hayes | 2-part drama |
| Shades | Maeve Sullivan | Miniseries | |
| Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) | Petra Winters | Episode: "Painkillers" | |
| 2002 | Dalziel and Pascoe | Rye Pomona | 2 episodes |
| 2003 | A Tale of Two Good Wives | Charlie Goodman | Television film |
| 2004 | The Deputy | Terri Leonard | Television film |
| 2004–2005 | 55 Degrees North | Claire Maxwell | Main role |
| 2005 | Casanova | Mother | 1 episode |
| 2007 | True Dare Kiss | Phil Tyler | Main role |
| 2008 | Doctor Who | Miss Hartigan | Christmas special: "The Next Doctor" |
| 2009 | Moving On | Laura | Episode: "Dress to Impress" |
| Law & Order: UK | Beatrice McArdle | 2 episodes | |
| 2010 | Material Girl | Davina Bailey | Main role |
| Agatha Christie's Marple | Bundle | Episode: "The Secret of Chimneys" | |
| The Silence | Maggie Edwards | Miniseries | |
| 2011 | Injustice | Jane Travers | Miniseries |
| 2012 | Blackout | Alex Demoys | Miniseries |
| 2017 | Safe House | Elizabeth Ellroy | 2 episodes |
| 2018 | Strike Back | Rachel Sheridan | 2 episodes |
| Strangers | Megan Emilia Harris | Also known asWhite Dragon;main role | |
| 2019 | Silent Witness | Amanda Long | 2 episodes |
| 2020 | The Stranger | Corinne Price | Main role |
| 2021–2023 | Smother | Val Ahern | Main role |
| 2022 | The Reunion | Annabelle Degalais | Miniseries |
| 2024 | True Detective | Kate McKitterick | Recurring role |
| TBA | House of Guinness | TBA | In production |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | National Television Awards | Most Popular Actress | Ballykissangel | Won | [21] |
| 1997 | Irish PostAwards | Best Irish Entertainer | Won | ||
| 1998 | National Television Awards | Most Popular Actress | Nominated | ||
| 2010 | Irish Film & Television Awards | Supporting Actress – Film | Ondine | Won | [22] |
| Crime Thriller Awards | Best Supporting Actress | The Silence | Won | ||
| 2011 | Irish Film & Television Awards | Supporting Actress – Television | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | London Independent Film Festival | Best Sci-Fi / Horror Feature | Entity | Won | [a] |
| Best Low Budget Film | Won | ||||
| 2016 | Maverick Movie Awards | Best Supporting Actress: Short | Red | Nominated | [23] |
| Best Ensemble Acting: Short | Nominated | ||||
| 2017 | Flagship City International Film Festival | Best Actress | Won | [24] | |
| 2021 | Irish Film & Television Awards | Lead Actress – Drama | Smother | Won | [25] |
| 2022 | Irish Film & Television Awards | Nominated | |||
| 2023 | Irish Film & Television Awards | Nominated |
Notes
[edit]- ^Shared with cast and crew.
References
[edit]- ^"Dervla Kirwan – Resources – TES".Archived fromthe originalon 17 October 2013.Retrieved16 September2017.
- ^ab"Dervla Kirwan - Who Do You Think You Are?".Ancestry.Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company.Retrieved23 June2020.
- ^ab"Dervla Kirwan [Episode Summary]".Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine.Immediate Media Company Limited.Retrieved23 June2020.
- ^"Cybermen invade Newport".South Wales Argus. 11 April 2008.Retrieved11 February2008.
- ^"Step into the Tardis for Children in Need".BBC Press Office.Retrieved23 September2008.
- ^"The Silence – BBC web site".Retrieved16 September2017.
- ^"BBC – Blackout – Media Centre".bbc.co.uk.
- ^"The Stranger | Netflix Official Site".netflix.com.Retrieved30 January2020.
- ^McMahon, Páraic (1 March 2021)."Smother the noir thriller set in Lahinch begins airing on RTÉ this Sunday".The Clare Echo.
- ^"Alibi secures UK broadcasting rights for Irish drama Smother".UKTV.26 March 2021.
- ^abJones, Alice (31 May 2007)."Dervla Kirwan: The actress is breaking hearts as a two-timing temptress in Pinter's Betrayal".The Independent.London. Archived fromthe originalon 21 November 2007.Retrieved1 May2010.
- ^Editorial Staff (12 April 2012)."Review Round-up: Critics commend Chichester's Uncle Vanya".WhatsOnStage.com.Archived fromthe originalon 15 April 2012.Retrieved6 September2012.
- ^Editorial Staff (29 April 2013)."Review Round-up: Critics convinced by Donmar's Weir?".WhatsOnStage.com.[permanent dead link]
- ^Clapp, Susannah(8 October 2017)."King Lear review – Ian McKellen is full of surprises".The Observer.Retrieved14 April2020.
- ^"Luna (2014)".IMDb.Retrieved23 June2020.
- ^Geddes, Colin."Luna [tiff. festival '14]".tiff.Archived fromthe originalon 28 November 2014.Retrieved7 December2014.
- ^Martin, Stephen (25 September 2014)."Dervla Kirwan shines in rare big screen performance in Luna".The Irish Post.Retrieved23 June2020.
- ^"Other films".The Herald.Herald & Times Group. 12 November 2014.Retrieved23 June2020.
- ^"Dave McKean's 'Luna' Picks-Up Best British Film At 22nd Raindance Film Festival".Britflicks.5 October 2014. Archived fromthe originalon 17 September 2017.Retrieved7 December2014.
- ^"Entity (2012)".IMDb.Retrieved23 June2020.
- ^"Past Winners".National Television Awards. Archived fromthe originalon 14 November 2010.Retrieved31 January2011.
- ^"Winners of the 7th annual Irish Film & Television Awards".IFTA.Retrieved7 April2021.
- ^"2016 Maverick Movie Awards & Nominations!".Maverick Movie Awards. Archived fromthe originalon 17 April 2021.Retrieved7 April2021.
- ^Morrow, Jerome (23 May 2017)."Flagship City International Film Festival announces 2017 winners".Screen Anarchy.Retrieved7 April2021.
- ^Grater, Tom (4 July 2021)."'Normal People' & 'Wolfwalkers' Triumph At Irish Film & TV Awards ".
External links
[edit]- Dervla KirwanatIMDb
- "Dervla Kirwan: whirling Dervla"(actor profile)
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