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Paul MescalIrish actor
Date of Birth: 02.02.1996
Country:  Ireland |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Born on February 2, 1996, in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland, Paul Mescal is the son of a police officer and a school teacher. He grew up alongside his sister Nell and brother Donnacha. Mescal studied at the National Academy of Dramatic Art, known as the Lir Academy, at Trinity College Dublin. Prior to his breakthrough in acting, he appeared in advertisements, including a memorable campaign for Denny sausages and bacon.
Theater Career
Before entering the world of cinema, Mescal established himself on the stage. In 2017, he made his Gate Theatre debut as Jay Gatsby in "The Great Gatsby" and went on to play the Prince in "The Red Shoes" for an entire season. In 2018, he took on the role of Lieutenant Langon in "The Plough and the Stars" at the Lyric Theatre in London. Upon returning to Ireland, he performed in productions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as Demetrius and "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" as Stephen Dedalus. After a two-year hiatus, he returned to the stage with a role in "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" at the Gaiety Theatre.
Film Career
Mescal's cinematic journey began in 2019 with a minor role in the comedy television series "Bump." However, his breakout came in 2020 when he starred as Connell Waldron in the adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel "Normal People." His nuanced performance earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor. Mescal also received recognition at the Gold Derby TV Award, International Online Cinema Awards, and Irish Film and Television Awards. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
Mescal went on to appear in the short film "Drifting" (2020) and had a notable role in the supernatural thriller "The Deceived." In 2021, he joined the cast of "The Lost Daughter," based on the novel by Elena Ferrante. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson, the film garnered critical praise and received three Oscar nominations.
In 2022, Mescal starred as Brian O'Hara in the drama "God's Creatures." The Irish gothic film, which featured Emily Watson, was critically acclaimed with W Magazine calling it "a moving, lucid masterpiece." Mescal's performance earned him nominations for a British Independent Film Award and an IFTA Award.
Mescal's most recent major role was in Charlotte Wells' critically lauded drama "Aftersun." Filming for the film saw Mescal collaborate with newcomer Frankie Corio, the only actress chosen from over 800 girls who auditioned. Mescal also had a brief but noteworthy appearance in the musical "Carmen," directed by Benjamin Millepied.
Personal Life
Mescal's personal life has garnered as much attention as his professional career. In 2020, he was involved in a highly publicized relationship with singer Phoebe Bridgers. Although the couple kept their relationship private, they made a red carpet appearance together at the Art+Film Gala in November 2021. Rumors of an engagement and a potential home purchase in Cork, Ireland surfaced in 2022, but these ultimately proved unfounded. After two years of dating, Mescal and Bridgers parted ways in a surprise split.
Paparazzi captured Mescal spending time with Angelina Jolie in a London coffee shop in January 2023. While the meeting, which was joined by Jolie's daughter Shiloh, appeared to be friendly, it sparked speculation in the media.
Mescal stands at 6 feet tall.
Present and FutureMescal's heartbreaking coming-of-age indie drama "Aftersun" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2023. Although the award ultimately went to Brendan Fraser for his performance in "The Whale," Mescal was nominated for over a dozen other awards, including the BAFTA Film Award and the Critics' Choice Award.
The year 2023 has proven busy for Mescal, with several major projects set to release starring the talented actor. Among the most highly anticipated is Ridley Scott's "Gladiator 2," scheduled for release in 2024. Mescal has also taken to the stage, playing Stanley Kowalski in a production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at London's Almeida Theatre.
