Jessie Buckley, an Irish actor and singer, has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful performances and subtle yet impactful portrayals. Rising to fame through the talent hunt show ‘I’d Do Anything,’ Buckley’s formal training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art has undoubtedly contributed to her success. With a diverse range of roles, she has showcased her talent in various productions, including the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’ and the BBC TV series adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace.’ Notable appearances in British drama TV series such as ‘Endeavour,’ ‘Taboo,’ and ‘The Last Post’ have further solidified her reputation as a versatile actor. However, it was her exceptional work in the 2018 film ‘Wild Rose’ and the 2019 TV series ‘Chernobyl’ that garnered widespread acclaim and established her as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Quick Facts
- Age: 33 Years
- Family: father: Tim Buckley, mother: Marina Cassidy
- Born Country: Ireland
- Actresses
- Irish Women
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
- Notable Alumni: Royal Irish Academy Of Music
- Education: Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art, Royal Irish Academy Of Music
Early Life & Childhood
Jessie Buckley was born on December 28, 1989, in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. She was the eldest of five children and inherited the art of expression from her poet and musician parents. Buckley attended the all-girls convent school, Ursuline Secondary School, in Thurles, County Tipperary. Her mother, Marina Cassidy, who worked as a vocal coach at the school, trained her in singing. Buckley’s formal training and encouragement from her parents allowed her to explore various art forms in school, including performing in school productions.
After finishing school, Buckley attended the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, where she achieved “grade eight” in piano, clarinet, and harp. She also attended workshops by The Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) to enhance her singing and acting abilities. Recognized as a talented actor at AIMS, Buckley decided to apply for drama schools. She completed her BA in acting from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London in 2013.
Career
Buckley’s TV career started with the BBC talent show “I’d Do Anything,” where she participated to get the lead role of Nancy in the West End revival of the musical “Oliver.” She received the AIMS Best Actress Award for her role as Julie Jordan in the Killarney Musical Society production of “Carousel” in 2008. Buckley has performed at various events and venues, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Birthday in the Park show in Hyde Park and the National Concert Hall in Dublin.
In 2013, she performed opposite Jude Law in a West End production of Shakespeare’s “Henry V.” She also appeared as Anne Egermann in a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical “A Little Night Music.” Buckley has delivered prolific performances in various roles, including Miranda in “The Tempest” at Shakespeare’s Globe and Kitty Batten in “Endeavour.” She has also appeared in the short film “Join My Band” and played Marya Bolkonskaya in the TV series adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.”
In 2017, Buckley was cast in the BBC TV series “Taboo,” where she played the role of a young widow. She continued to be seen in TV series and movies, delivering powerful performances. In 2018, she played Rose-Lynn Harlan in the film “Wild Rose,” portraying a character who aspired to be a musician after being released from prison. In 2019, Buckley played Lyudmilla Ignatenko in the HBO series “Chernobyl” and Rosalyn Wilder in the biographical film “Judy.”
Buckley has upcoming projects, including playing Queen Victoria in the film “Dolittle” and appearing in the films “Ironbark” and “Misbehavior.” She will also be part of the black comedy crime-drama anthology series “Fargo.”
Awards & Recognition
Buckley received the AIMS Best Actress Award in 2008 for her role in the musical production “Carousel.” She was featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 List of Disrupters and Trailblazers. Buckley also received the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her role in the 2017 thriller “Beast.”
Family & Personal Life
Buckley was previously in a relationship with her War and Peace co-star James Norton, but the couple split after two years together.