Talented, beautiful, and Irish, what more could any woman want? Ireland has churned out some amazing actors through the ages. Here is the IrishCentral selection of some talented thespians who are closely linked to Ireland.

Ryan Reynolds


The Beverly Hills resident was once engaged to musician Alanis Morissette. He was voted the “Sexiest Man Alive” by “People” magazine in 2010.

Colin O'Donoghue


The County Louth actor is a graduate of the Gaiety School of Acting, his early career was split between theater and television work in the UK and Ireland.  In his latest film “The Rite”, the Irish man performed alongside Anthony Hopkins, to critical acclaim.

Bradley Cooper



 A Georgetown University and NYU graduate, he is a big fan of Daniel Day-Lewis’ work. His father Charles is of Irish heritage.

Colin Farrell



Dublin man Colin has became a well-known face in Tinseltown since rising from the ranks of Irish television back in the 1990s. Possibly one of Ireland’s hottest exports, the talented actor has featured in several blockbusters. He was named one of “People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People” in 2003. Speaking about his homeland, Farrell once said, “Being Irish is very much a part of who I am. I take it everywhere with me.”

Chris Evans



Originally from Massachusetts, the actor is of Irish and Italian descent. His first notable role was as Jake Wyler in “Not another Teen movie”.  

Stuart Townsend



Originally from Howth in County Dublin, Stuart Townsend was always determined to become an actor. He is the son of a professional golfer and a top model. Like many renowned Irish actors, he attended the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin. After almost a decade together, the Dubliner split up with girlfriend Charlize Theron at the start of 2010.

Jonathan Rhys Myers



Born in Dublin, the actor moved to County Cork at a young age where he spent his childhood. The Irish man is a well known face for Versace. He splits his life between London and Los Angeles.  He is good friends with fellow Irish actor Cillian Murphy. Rhys Myers is most well known for playing the role of King Henry VIII in “The Tudors”.

Michael Fassbender



Originally born in Germany, Fassbender was raised in Killarney, County Kerry. He has established his own production company, “Peanut Productions”.  He received much praise for his role of Lt Archie Hicox in Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds’. 

Liam Neeson



Belfast man Liam Neeson is possibly one of the best-known faces in Hollywood. Based in New York , Neeson was nominated for an Oscar for his starring role in Steven Spielberg's critically acclaimed film, “Schindler's List”. 

Cillian Murphy



Another Cork man, Murphy shot onto movie screens in Danny Boyle’s thriller, “28 Days Later”. His other big roles include Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow, in “The Dark Knight”. He was tempted to pursue a career in law before he settled into a career in acting. He is a great admirer of Liam Neeson, and he speaks French and Irish.

*Originally published in 2013.