The surprising jobs Irish celebrities had before fame

We're well used to seeing Liam Neeson and Dáithí Ó Sé on our screens, and we're well used to hearing Doireann Garrihy and Brian Dowling on our airwaves.

But imagine an alternate dimension where these celebrities never found their feet in their chosen industry... Instead, they were working in the surprising jobs they held before fame.

From working at Nando's and an optician's office, to being a postman and a forklift driver, here are the career paths our favourite Irish people almost stumbled into.

Liam Neeson

Before he was bitten by the acting bug, it seems Liam Neeson didn't quite know what he wanted to do in life.

He trained as an amateur boxer and was the Ulster senior boxing champion. The 73-year-old studied physics and computer science at Queen's University Belfast.

Liam worked as a forklift operator, truck driver, and assistant architect before pursuing a career in acting.

Michael Fassbender

Imagine Michael Fassbender being your postman... We'll leave that thought with you.

Katie McCabe

Before cementing herself as a name in Irish women's sport, Katie McCabe previously worked in Nando's in The Square, Tallaght. Celebs, they're just like us!

Brendan Gleeson

Before fame, Brendan Gleeson worked as a secondary school teacher for a number of years, teaching English and Irish at Catholic Belcamp College in Dublin.

Brian Dowling

Who knew Brian Dowling was a former air host for Ryanair? The dad-of-two held the position for four years, starting the job when he was 19 years old.

"I loved it. That was one of the best jobs I have ever had,' he told Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio 1. "I then became a cabin manager, so I was in charge. It also went to my head.

"I can't lie to you, the stuff we did on board those aircraft, I don't know how we got away with it!"

Doireann Garrihy

Doireann Garrihy's name is now synonymous with the glitz of Dancing with the Stars, as well as RTÉ 2FM, but her broadcasting career didn't get off to a glamorous start.

The mum-of-one kickstarted her career on the radio as a researcher and broadcaster with AA Roadwatch. She also previously worked as a sales assistant in Brown Thomas!

Dáithí Ó Sé

Before winning the hearts of RTÉ viewers across the country, Dáithí was the bane of American youths' existence in the 90s.

The Kerry man began working as a bouncer in 1994 when he moved to the US. He got his first bouncer job at a nightclub called Excalibur, despite being just 18 at the time.

"I was 18 years of age saying, 'Sorry lad, you're only 20. You can't come in here. You just can't come in here. You're just going to have to go away. Please come back in a year's time," he told Anton Savage on Newstalk.

Actually, Dáithí has previously held roles in all sorts. He was a teacher, butcher, ferry driver around the Blasket Islands, and even a ringmaster with Duffy's Circus.

Sharon Horgan

As any struggling actor knows, you're a little strapped for cash. While attending drama courses in London, Sharon Horgan took odd jobs such as waitressing and working in call centres.

Nicola Coughlan

While she was trying to get her big break in the acting industry, Nicola Coughlan worked part-time at an optician's clinic while living at home with her parents in Galway.

Sheamus

In a similar career start to Dáithí, WWE star Sheamus began as a bouncer at Lillie's Bordello in Dublin, which operated from 1991 to 2019.

Gabriel Byrne

Before acting, Gabriel Byrne worked as an archaeologist, cook, and teacher.

The 75-year-old almost became a priest as well. He was raised in a devoutly Catholic family and decided that he wanted to enter the clergy.

He spent some time in a seminary, but was ultimately kicked out after being caught smoking. Tut-tut!

Una Healy

As a child, Una Healy was a swimming champion, and is 'so proud' that her daughter, Aoife Belle, is following in her footsteps.

Music was more of a hobby than a career for Una at the beginning. When she finished school, The Saturdays star took a year out and worked as a medical secretary.

She went on to study nursing and then primary teaching at Mary Immaculate College. Finally, Una decided to pursue her music passion at 23 years old.

*This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.