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Jessie Buckley: From Irish Roots to Hollywood Stardom
20 Feb
Summary
- Buckley's mother is a musician, and her father managed hotels.
- She has earned 37 nominations for her role in 'Hament'.
- She excelled in five musical disciplines from a young age.
Jessie Buckley, an Irish-born actress, is experiencing a meteoric rise in Hollywood. Her recent performance as Agnes in Chloe Zhao's 'Hament' has garnered significant acclaim, securing 37 nominations for the 2026 award season, including prestigious BAFTA and Oscar nods. She has already won a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award for the role.
Buckley's parents expressed immense pride in her achievements, highlighting her journey from winning an Olivier Award for 'Cabaret' to competing alongside top Hollywood talent. Her early life in Killarney, Ireland, was marked by a deep immersion in the arts, thanks to her musician mother and supportive father.
Ciara Higgins of the Royal Irish Academy of Music noted Buckley's innate talent, stating she was always destined for greatness. Higgins recalled Buckley's exceptional skill across five musical disciplines—Irish harp, piano, clarinet, saxophone, and voice—and her consistent high marks in exams.
Higgins emphasized Buckley's extraordinary work ethic and clear ambition, which have underpinned her steadily built career. She also praised Buckley's charisma and values, noting the positive representation she provides with her distinctive Kerry accent on the global stage.
Buckley's success is seen as part of a broader trend of Irish talent dominating Hollywood, with actors like Cillian Murphy, Saoirse Ronan, and Barry Keoghan also achieving international recognition. Higgins attributes this to Ireland's rich storytelling heritage and expressive cultural traditions.
