Film

Saoirse Ronan: ‘In Ireland there was such ownership over women, physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially’

The four-time Oscar nominee from Ireland says she does not take for granted ‘the incredible stock’ she comes from

Saoirse Ronan is featured in the October issue of Harper's Bazaar UK. Photograph: Harper’s Bazaar UK/Agata Pospieszynska/PA Wire

Thu Sep 7 2023 - 19:25

Saoirse Ronan has paid tribute to the late singer Sinéad O’Connor as she described the pride she feels in fellow Irish women in the entertainment industry.

The Irish actor, who is a four-time Oscar nominee, said she does not take for granted the “incredible stock” she comes from, including Catastrophe and Bad Sisters star Sharon Horgan.

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar UK: “Think of Sinead [O’Connor], of Sharon [Horgan], everyone who was around in the 70s, 80s and 90s, who just didn’t give a f*** and moved away from the template that had been set.

“There’s been a lot to overcome for all women, but I think in a country like Ireland, where there was such ownership over us in every sense, physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, how unbelievably brave.

READ MORE

[ Making Brooklyn in Enniscorthy: ‘Saoirse Ronan was lovely. She had a cup of tea in my kitchen’ ]

[ Saoirse Ronan: Kim Kardashian has inspired my portrayal of Lady Macbeth ]

“What incredible stock to come from. I don’t take that for granted at all.”

Irish singer and activist O’Connor died at her London home in July at the age of 56.

Ronan, best known for her collaborations with Barbie director Greta Gerwig in Lady Bird and Little Women, also spoke about the power of sisterhood, saying: “When you’ve got other women in your corner, they will defend you like nothing else.

“If you have that – which I’ve always had from my mother – you carry it with you your whole life.”

Saoirse Ronan on the front cover of the October issue of Harper's Bazaar UK. Photograph: Harper’s Bazaar UK/Agata Pospieszynska/PA

After a string of dramatic roles, which also include starring turns in Brooklyn, Ammonite, The Lovely Bones and Atonement, Ronan said she is now keen on take on more comedic roles.

She says: “I would love to do something modern and funny. But to be able to do comedy well requires so much skill and musicality. I don’t necessarily think I have that yet – although as I’ve got older, I am more comfortable and confident to try.

“As an actor, if you’ve worked your way up and had quite a well-rounded experience, you’ll have played minor roles and played leads. You’ll have been treated really well, you’ll have been treated like sh*t.

“You’ll have been used, you’ll have been taken care of. I think there’s a real humility that comes with that.”

Ronan says she would like to direct herself on day: “Some directors make the mistake of thinking that one size fits all.

“And while, yes, you have to be a leader, actually for the best results, you have to bend towards your actors – adjust to them, and make them feel they can do anything.”

The October issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK is on sale from September 7th. – PA

LATEST STORIES