Born in Dublin, Dervla Kirwan, 52, was cast in her first television drama at 15. From 1993 she was in three series of Goodnight Sweetheart, and in 1996 began appearing in the long-running drama Ballykissangel and was named most popular actress at the National Television Awards. She won Irish Film and Television Academy Awards in 2010 for Ondine, and in 2021 for Smother. Her stage roles include Lady Macbeth at Chichester festival theatre in 2019. She stars in Dear England at the Prince Edward theatre in London until 13 January 2024. She is married to Rupert Penry-Jones, has two children and lives in Hampshire.
When were you happiest?
A few weeks ago, walking on the beach in Anglesey with my dogs and my husband.
What is your greatest fear?
Ironically, it’s talking to hundreds of people in a room.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Laziness.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Recently, sending a negative text about a person to that person.
Describe yourself in three words
Warm, intelligent, accommodating.
What would your superpower be?
To heal people.
What does love feel like?
Security.
What scares you about getting older?
Pain and loneliness.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
About five years ago, I was in a play that was an unmitigated disaster. I had to rally the troops and go out every night.
What makes you unhappy?
Human nature’s tendency towards chaos, destruction and violence.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Pretty much everything.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Allowing fear to stop me from enjoying myself.
Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
I’ve never got through Ulysses.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A forensic scientist.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
That I am a terrible actor.
To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
My younger self, because I was very, very tough on myself.
after newsletter promotion
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Fundamentally and actually.
When did you last cry, and why?
At my mother’s funeral last year.
How often do you have sex?
Regularly.
What would you like to leave your children?
Good self-esteem.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A little bit more self-confidence.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
I’m quite happy with what I’ve got.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a decent human being.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
To know thyself, as Shakespeare said.
Tell us a secret
I believe in ghosts.
Comments (…)
Sign in or create your Guardian account to join the discussion