Saorise Ronan - From Carlow to Cannes
Michelle Pfeiffer, Paul Rudd, James McAvoy, Stanley Tucci, Cate Blanchett.
No, not the ensemble for a new (excellently casted, may I say) film. But all actors Saoirse Ronan worked with before her 18th birthday.
The celebrated Irish star had her first three films come out in 2007, and in 2007, she got her first Oscar nomination at the age of 13 for Atonement.
Before her filmic debuts, however, she was no stranger to acting—getting her start in 2003 in the RTÉ hospital soap The Clinic and a mini-series for the same broadcaster, Proof.
New York born, Ronan moved to Dublin, Ireland at the age of 3, the original home of her parents. She was raised in Carlow for most of her childhood and teen years, commuting around the world for prestigious films and events. One can only assume you have to keep humble traveling between the glitz and glam of Hollywood and the not-so-luxurious Carlow (no offence, Carlowians).
Starting her career with an Oscar nomination, Saoirse Ronan has hardly done any failed projects. She’s starred in many major productions in her already long CV, but her true breakout role was in Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird, a role that garnered her third Academy Award nomination. But aside from all the critical praise she got, this was the role that solidified her star power as a leading lady. A role that resonated with many young women.
She had always been known for how she could handle complex emotions with such subtlety that reads beautifully on screen, but something about the role of Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson caught people’s attention in a different light.
A role found relatable to many: small-town Catholic schoolgirl dreams of bigger things, and of course goes through the motions with her complicated mother and friends. This very much “slice of life” coming-of-age story invites you to laugh at the cringe of adolescent self-righteousness and cry with the still very much childlike eyes trying to grasp adulthood.
Saoirse Ronan received a lot of critical praise for the film, but it’s been the praise of women who could relate to the themes of her portrayal of Lady Bird that really stood out.
Having not had much time off in her 18-year-long career, Ronan has managed to keep a good chunk of her life private. She’s decided never to have a public social media account (except a Twitter account she once used to keep up with comedian Stephen Fry). A smart move from the actress in her younger years, giving her a chance to keep a piece of herself, not plagued with online comments about her work or the extra pressures many online publications already hassle her with.
However, recently we’ve seen a very normal side to her. Mainly residing in West Cork with her husband, fellow actor Jack Lowden (although the two also split their time between Dublin, London, northern England, and Scotland). The two announced in May 2025 they are expecting their first child together, giving the superstar a chance to catch a break and venture down a new career path.
18 years of acting experience (and counting). 5 Oscar nominations (and counting). 32 film roles (and counting). All at the age of 31. In her career, Saoirse Ronan has proved many times that acting is not just a job she does, but a craft she has mastered. She is a testament to Irish talent (especially considering how many “prove you’re Irish, make a cup of tea” interviews American hosts have made her do in her career).
Written By: Esther Akinborewa
