9 celebrities from Northern Ireland who made it big in the USA
From actors to singers, producers to athletes, never underestimate the talent of a Northern Ireland native! There must be something in the water, as whether it's from starring in award-winning films or making iconic music, many of these stars' talents have granted them fame in the USA.
Jamie Dornan
Jamie Dornan is an actor, musician and model, born on 1st May 1982 in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland. Best known for his role as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades franchise, Jamie has picked up many awards - including Irish Film and Television Awards and a People's Choice Award.
Bronagh Gallagher
Bronagh Gallagher is a singer and actress, born on 26th April 1972 in Derry, Northern Ireland. Bronagh is well known for her role as Trudi in Pulp Fiction, Bragnae in Tristan + Isolde and Rose Narracott in The National Theatre's production War Horse.
Sir Kenneth Branagh
Sir Kenneth Charles Branagh is an actor, director and producer, born on 10th December 1960 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Kenneth has starred in several film adaptations of Shakespeare plays, leading to him receiving multiple Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards.
Ruby Murray
Ruby Florence Murray was a singer and actress, born on 29th March 1935 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Ruby made pop chart history in 1955, having five singles in the Top Twenty in a single week. She also appeared in films such as A Touch of the Sun. Ruby sadly passed away in December 1996.
Gary Lightbody
Gareth John Lightbody is a singer-songwriter, born on 15th June 1976 in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. Gareth is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist in the world-famous alternative rock band Snow Patrol. In 2010, the band were commemorated with a Heritage Award, with a plaque erected in Belfast where they first performed.
Michelle Fairley
Michelle Fairley is an actress, born on 11th July 1963, in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. She is best known for her role as Catelyn Stark in Game of Thrones and Dr. Ava Hessington in USA Network series Suits.
Sir Van Morrison
Sir George Ivan Morrison is a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and record producer, born on 31th August 1945 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Also known as Van the Man, The Belfast Cowboy and The Belfast Lion, this musical legend is best known for 1967's hit song 'Brown Eyed Girl', which went onto be the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007.
Rory Mcilroy
Rory Mcilroy is a professional golfer, born on 4th May 1989 in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland. At only 17-years-old, Rory topped the World Amateur Golf Ranking for one week, and by 22 became the youngest player to have ever reached €10 million in career earnings on the European Tour.
Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson is an actor, born on 7th June 1952 in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Liam has appeared in many popular films, including Love Actually and the Taken franchise. He has received multiple award nominations, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs and Golden Globes.
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