Actress Toni O’Rourke: ‘Seanchaí Is The Irish Word For Storyteller. It’s In Our Blood’
-
Loading... - Milan Klein
- 04 Dec 2024
- 50 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Toni O’Rourke, a rising star in the Irish film industry, has made a name for herself with standout performances in critically acclaimed films such as Calm With Horses and God’s Creatures. In a recent interview with Grazia, she shared insights about her journey as an actress, her latest role in The Boy Who Never Was, and the importance of storytelling in Irish culture.
O’Rourke's latest project, The Boy Who Never Was, marks her first lead role, presenting her with unique challenges. The film, which features Colin Morgan, tells the gripping story of a couple whose son goes missing during a holiday in Morocco, coinciding with a devastating earthquake. O’Rourke described the shoot as intense yet rewarding, especially given the real-life earthquake that struck Morocco just before filming began.
“It was all hands on deck, making sure that the Moroccan people were okay and assessing if they were comfortable for us to move on,” she explained. “It was intense but really rewarding.”
In her role as Robin, a grieving mother, O’Rourke found a character that resonated deeply with her. “Robin is such a tenacious, powerful, loving woman,” she said, highlighting the character's fierce protective instincts. Despite joining the project late, she was able to immerse herself in the script, which she described as a “serious page-turner.”
Interestingly, O’Rourke has often found herself cast as a mother, despite her young age. “I don’t know what it is about me, but I’m always a mother!” she laughed. “I feel really lucky that I get to explore these characters in such a big, deep way early on in my career.”
Reflecting on her early start in acting, O’Rourke expressed gratitude for her family’s support. “I really was so privileged in the fact that they were like, ‘Cool, whatever suits,’” she shared. Growing up in a creative household, she felt encouraged to pursue her passion without fear of the risks involved.
O’Rourke has also received valuable advice from seasoned actors throughout her career. She recalled Emily Watson’s words during the filming of God’s Creatures: “This is a part-time job for everyone. Nobody does this 12 months a year, and you’ve got to figure out who you are outside of that.” This perspective has helped O’Rourke navigate the challenges of the acting profession.
A strong advocate for telling Irish stories, O’Rourke emphasized the importance of representation in the industry. “Seanchaí is the word for storyteller in Ireland. It’s in our blood,” she said. She expressed a desire to see more diverse narratives that reflect the multicultural aspects of Irish life, showcasing that being Irish comes in many forms.
O’Rourke has a close friendship with fellow actor Paul Mescal, who also starred in God’s Creatures. They both graduated from drama college around the same time and have supported each other’s careers. “We’re all so celebratory of each other’s successes,” she noted, highlighting the camaraderie among Irish actors. “It’s exciting to see that recognition of Irish talent.”
Toni O’Rourke’s journey as an actress reflects her dedication to storytelling and her commitment to portraying complex characters. With her latest role in The Boy Who Never Was, she continues to carve out a space for herself in the film industry while advocating for diverse Irish narratives. As she embraces the challenges of her craft, O’Rourke remains a vibrant voice in the evolving landscape of Irish cinema.
