Cillian Murphy and Saoirse Ronan have paved the way for these six Irish actors to reach stardom.
Irish actors are slowly but surely becoming some of the best around the world. The number of movies from this small country nominated for Oscars and named the world’s favourite films of the year continues to grow.
Irish voices have captivated the world for decades, but even more so now, young Irish talent are a whole new breed of scrappy, determined, and passionate actors telling important stories.
Let’s take a look at six Irish actors who are one big role away from absolute stardom.
6. Lola Petticrew – quickly becoming a household name
Lola Petticrew has been acting professionally for almost a decade now. However, it has been the last year or two that we’ve really seen the potential this Belfast actor has to reach new heights.
They recently starred in the historical drama series Say Nothing as Dolours Price, for which they won the 2025 IFTA for Lead Actress. This year, they won in the same category for their performance in Trespasses, which they starred in alongside Gillian Anderson.
Petticrew has already made her mark on the world of TV, but we think they’re one leading role away from becoming a household name in Irish TV and cinema.
5. Anthony Boyle – on his way up
Anthony Boyle is another rising Irish talent from Belfast who is certainly a step away from stardom.
He has been acting for years; you might remember seeing him in a couple of episodes of Derry Girls a few years back, but his newfound stardom can be attributed to his roles in Say Nothing and House of Guinness, the latter for which he won the IFTA for Lead Actor in a Drama.
Boyle is certainly one to keep an eye on, as we think he’s going to go on to do great things.
4. Louisa Harland – a talented actor through many mediums
If you’ve seen Louisa Harland in anything after Derry Girls, you’ll know just how talented she is, because we can’t be the only ones who really believed Louisa Harland WAS Orla McCool.
She just played the goofy, quirky character so well. Louisa Harland is one of todays Irish actors who is destined for great things.
She has performed on stage and on the big and small screen, from a recent appearance in the highly coveted Hamnet to a leading role in the Disney+ series Renegade Nell.
3. Peter Claffey – from rugby union to Ser Duncan the Tall
You’ll know this former professional rugby union player for his lead role in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Some might say his lead role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms means Peter Claffey has already found stardom, but we reckon a feature film lead after the success of the series is the final move he needs to reach even bigger heights.
2. Nicola Coughlan – already hugely successful
Yes, Nicola Coughlan has gone on from Clare in Derry Girls to do great things in her acting career. From Bridgerton to the West End, this author thinks this Galway girl needs a leading role to really define her stardom.
1. Alison Oliver – awaiting her big moment
Alison Oliver has starred in Conversations With Friends and also appeared in Saltburn alongside Barry Keoghan.
More recently, she had a role in the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
She’s doing wonderful things and was just presented with the IFTA for Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role in Task. We think Alison Oliver’s big role to bring her to stardom is in the cards. Watch this space.
