Deirdre Donnelly
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University College Dublin (BA, MA)
Deirdre Donnelly | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1950 (age 75–76) |
| Education | Abbey Theatre School University College Dublin (BA, MA) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1971–present |
| Awards | Irish Theatre Award (nomination) |
Deirdre Donnelly is an Irish actress of stage and screen. Best known for her work on television, from 1975 to 1979 she portrayed Kathy Peters on the long-running RTÉ drama serial The Riordans.[1] From 1996-2001 she starred as Siobhan Mehigan on the BBC comedy-drama series Ballykissangel.[2] She has had recurring roles on Vikings: Valhalla, Fair City, Brassic, The Virtues, Striking Out, The Frankenstein Chronicles, The Clinic, The Irish R.M., and Last of the Summer Wine.
Donnelly made her film debut in Academy Award winner Joseph Strick’s 1977 film A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, adapted from the James Joyce novel of the same name. She would go on to have supporting roles in Attracta, The Fantasist, The Lilac Bus, Cracks, Rialto, and Barber. Also a veteran stage actress, Donnelly has appeared in numerous plays, including more than 50 productions with the National Theatre of Ireland.[3]
Donnelly is the third of four daughters. Her father was from Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, and her mother from Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan. Her sister Terry Donnelly is also an actress.[4]
Donnelly grew up in Cullenswood House, Ranelagh,[5] and was educated at Mount St. Anne's School in Milltown, South Dublin. She studied for two years at the Brendan Smith Theatre Academy[6] and a further two years at the Abbey Theatre School of Acting.[7]
In 2004, Donnelly completed postgraduate studies at UCD, receiving a first-class master's degree in Modern Drama Studies.[7]
