Irish-born actress Saoirse Ronan has won the hearts of fans on both sides of the Atlantic. She is best known for her roles in critically acclaimed teen dramas, which have earned her a Golden Globe, British Academy Film Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as multiple Oscar nominations. The actress has a distinctive look—fair skin and piercing blue eyes that always seem to captivate the camera. Here’s a closer look at her journey to stardom on newyorkski.info.
Early Life and Childhood
Saoirse Una Ronan was born in New York City on April 12, 1994. Her parents, Monica and Paul Ronan, were Dublin natives who had come to the US as undocumented immigrants in the 1980s. They chose an Irish name for their daughter, which translates to “freedom.” Her father worked as a bartender and a builder before pursuing a career in acting, while her mother worked as a nanny.
When Ronan was three, the family moved back to Dublin, where she spent her childhood. She initially attended Ardattin National School before being homeschooled. During this time, her father, now a working actor, would often take her to film sets. This exposure made the world of cinema feel like home, and it wasn’t long before she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life.
Saoirse’s on-screen debut came in 2003 in the Irish drama series The Clinic. She then appeared in the miniseries Proof and auditioned for the role of Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, a part she didn’t get. Her first feature film was the romantic comedy I Could Never Be Your Woman. While the movie wasn’t a huge success, critics and audiences alike took notice of the young actress’s performance. It was only the beginning.
Career in Film: From Breakthrough to Stardom
Ronan’s breakout role came in the 2007 film Atonement. Working alongside Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, her performance earned her nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe. The film made her an overnight sensation, and offers for new roles began pouring in.
The popularity of the actress soared with the lead role in Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones (2009). Remarkably, Ronan was cast without an audition. All she did was send the studio an audio recording of herself reading dialogues from the book the film was based on. In the movie, her character is murdered at the beginning, and from the afterlife, she tries to help her loved ones find her killer. The sensitive subject matter initially concerned Ronan and her parents, but the director assured them that there would be no scenes of rape or murder. While the film wasn’t a box office hit, it earned Ronan nominations for a BAFTA, a Saturn Award, and a Critics’ Choice Award.
In 2013, she took on dual leading roles in The Host. The film was expected to be a blockbuster on par with the Twilight saga, but critics were unimpressed with the adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel. The following year, Ronan starred in the black comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel alongside a star-studded cast including Jude Law, Ralph Fiennes, Edward Norton, and Adrien Brody. The film went on to win the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
In 2017, Ronan landed the lead role in Lady Bird, the directorial debut of Greta Gerwig. The film received multiple Oscar nominations, and Ronan won a Golden Globe for her performance. This was also her first time working with actor Timothée Chalamet, a collaboration that would prove fruitful.
The two reunited for the 2019 drama Little Women. This acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel was a hit with both audiences and critics, earning a slew of prestigious awards nominations. Growing up, Ronan had read the book and always identified with the character of Jo March, so getting to play her was a dream come true. The project also gave her the invaluable experience of working alongside Meryl Streep.
In 2020, Ronan’s filmography expanded with a role in the biographical drama Ammonite, about British paleontologist Mary Anning. While Kate Winslet took the lead, Ronan played naturalist Charlotte Murchison. The actress also showcased her comedic talents in Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch (2021) and the murder-mystery comedy See How They Run (2022).
Voice Acting and Music Videos
In 2010, Ronan lent her voice to the animated film The Secret World of Arrietty, playing the titular character. Three years later, she voiced a character in the animated movie Justin and the Knights of Valour.
In 2017, Ronan starred in Ed Sheeran’s music video for “Galway Girl,” which sparked rumors of a romance between the two. She also appeared in the music video for Hozier’s song “Cherry Wine.”
Saoirse Ronan’s Personal Life
Saoirse Ronan doesn’t have a social media presence and is very private about her personal life. Still, the media has often speculated about her relationships. After filming The Host, there were rumors of a romance with Max Irons. While working on Brooklyn, she was reportedly dating Emory Cohen. Ronan has never commented on these stories.
In 2018, after filming the drama Mary Queen of Scots, Ronan began dating actor Jack Lowden. In 2023, the couple got engaged and secretly married in Edinburgh the following year, with only close family and friends in attendance. The newlyweds don’t often appear together at public events, but they did attend the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony together in February 2025. In May, it was announced that Ronan was preparing for a new role: motherhood. The couple is expecting their first child.
Fun Facts About Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan has become one of the most celebrated stars in cinema. In 2024, she starred in two films: The Outrun and Blitz. Her fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the psychological thriller Bad Apples in 2025, where she plays a teacher who goes to unusual lengths to maintain order in her classroom. She was also offered the lead role in the coming-of-age drama Deep Cuts, but it’s unclear if she plans to work during her pregnancy.
Here are a few more interesting facts about the star:
- In an interview, Saoirse revealed that as a child, she wanted to change her name to Sarah or something less unique and noticeable.
- Ronan doesn’t smoke and is a healthy eater.
- She is involved in charitable work and supports the British animal welfare charity Blue Cross. She started helping the organization after they once helped her find her lost dog.
- In 2016, Saoirse Ronan made her Broadway debut in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible.
- Director Peter Jackson offered her the role of an elf in The Hobbit, but she couldn’t take the part. He was so keen on her that he removed the role from the script entirely.
- Ronan was also offered the role of Kitty in the film adaptation of Anna Karenina, but the part ultimately went to Alicia Vikander.
In 2025, Saoirse Ronan turned 31. Her acting career continues to flourish, and audiences are looking forward to her return to the screen after she welcomes her baby.