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Paul Mescal

Actor and executive producer

Born 1996

Paul Mescal is an Irish actor whose career combines intimate screen dramas, major studio films and theatre. Born in Dublin and raised in Maynooth, he attended Irish-language schools and initially hoped to pursue Gaelic football. Playing the Phantom in a school musical drew him toward acting. After graduating from The Lir Academy in 2017, he immediately played Jay Gatsby at Dublin's Gate Theatre and built a stage career in Dublin and London. His television breakthrough as Connell in Normal People led to a BAFTA; Aftersun brought an Academy Award nomination, and his Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire won an Olivier. Screen work includes The Lost Daughter, God's Creatures, Carmen, All of Us Strangers, Foe and Gladiator II. In 2025 he starred in and executive-produced The History of Sound, and played William Shakespeare in Hamnet. His announced work includes Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes' Beatles films, Linklater's continuing Merrily We Roll Along and a 2027 repertory stage season in Death of a Salesman and A Whistle in the Dark.

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Connected people

ConnectionDaisy Edgar-JonesNormal People co-star; the television breakthrough shared by both actors.

ConnectionFrankie CorioPlays Sophie opposite Mescal's Calum in Aftersun; both discussed their preparation with BFI.

ConnectionAndrew ScottPlays Adam opposite Mescal's Harry in All of Us Strangers.

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Frequent Collaborators

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Normal People co-star; the television breakthrough shared by both actors.

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Frankie Corio

Plays Sophie opposite Mescal's Calum in Aftersun; both discussed their preparation with BFI.

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Andrew Scott

Plays Adam opposite Mescal's Harry in All of Us Strangers.

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Josh O'Connor

The History of Sound co-star in Oliver Hermanus' period drama.

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Jessie Buckley

Hamnet co-star and announced Hold On to Your Angels collaborator.

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Chloé Zhao

Directs Mescal's William Shakespeare in Hamnet.

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Paul McCartney

Subject of his announced Beatles portrayal and his Amazon interview guest.

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