Paul Mescal's amazing career so far

Paul Mescal became somewhat of a worldwide phenomenon after he played the role of Connell Waldron in BBC and Hulu drama Normal People in 2020. The 28-year-old from Maynooth in Ireland was in everybody's Internet history as fans across the world tried to discover more about the actor, who isn't active on social media - but don't worry, we've got you covered!

With his 2020 break-out including Normal People, Channel 5's The Deceived, a Rolling Stones music video, a virtual gig with Irish superstar Dermot Kennedy AND an Emmy nomination, it's no surprise he's gone from strength to strength, with some huge projects in the pipeline right now. So, what better time to get to know the Oscar-nominated actor a little bit better, including all the deets about his exciting upcoming roles...

Where have I seen Paul Mescal before?

Where is Paul Mescal from?

Paul is from a town called Maynooth in North County Kildare, Ireland. So that accent he pulls off so well as Connell in Normal People is 100% real! 😍

How old is Paul Mescal?

Paul was born on the 2nd February in 1996, making him currently 28-years-old.

Is Paul Mescal in Gladiator 2?

He sure is! Filming for the sequel to Ridley Scott's 2022 movie Gladiator is taking place now, and it's been confirmed that Paul will feature as Lucius, the son of Lucilla.

Paul has been spotted with other cast members such as Pedro Pascal, Peter Mensah and May Calamawy at filming locations in the UK, Malta and Morocco, with the film due for release in November 2024.

What's Paul Mescal in next?

He's rumoured to be appearing in the upcoming Sam Mendes Beatles biopic project. Although it hasn't yet been confirmed, the rumours are circulating that Sam will take on the role of Paul McCartney, with fellow Irish actor Barry Keoghan set to play Ringo Starr. It's also rumoured that Harris Dickinson will portray John Lennon and Charlie Rowe will take on George Harrison.

The project is reportedly going to see four films created simultaneously, with interconnected stories that will show events from each of the four Beatles' perspectives - and it's even had full backing from Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison.

Are Connell and Marianne from Normal People dating in real life?

As much as we would like them to, Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) are NOT a real-life couple.

However, the pair are really good friends and their on-screen chemistry certainly shows in their friendship.

Who is Paul Mescal dating?

Although Paul is very private about his dating life, in August 2024 he seemed to confirm he's now dating pop star Gracie Abrams, after the pair were spotted kissing in Mayfair, according to Mail Online.

The pair were first pictured together back in June, shopping in London, as well as enjoying a date at Michelin-star restaurant Brat in London's Shoreditch.

Who has Paul Mescal dated in the past?

Paul's ex-girlfriend is Phoebe Bridgers. The pair started dating in 2020, and although they didn't publicly announce their split, rumours were rife that they ended their romance in late 2022.

Speaking to Vanity Fair about wanting to keep his relationship private, Paul said: “But moving forward as much as I can, that’s going to be my life that is private. That’s a difficult thing to achieve. But giving strangers an answer about my life doesn’t actually help me.

“It’s like a quick boost of serotonin, being like: ‘I’ve said what I need to say.’ And then it’s just Twitter fodder.”

In August 2023, Paul chatted with Esquire magazine, where he continued to remain coy about his former relationship. He said: "The only thing you’re left with after love is grief. Which is, like, a bleak thing, but I think it’s just a fact.”

Which awards has Paul Mescal won?

2020:

202\0 was a huge year for Paul, and saw him bag an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, for his role in Normal People.

2021:

For his performance in Normal People, Paul was awarded a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor, as well as receiving an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

Paul was also given the award for Lead Actor – TV Drama (Normal People) at the 2021 Irish Film & Television Awards.

2023:

Paul won Best Actor at the 2023 Olivier Award for his role in the play A Streetcar Named Desire.

At the Irish Film & Television Awards in 2023, Paul won Lead Actor – Film (Aftersun).

In 2023, he also received a BAFTA Film nomination and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role in 2022 film Aftersun.

Where did Paul Mescal go to college?

Paul isn't just a pretty face! Just like his character Connell in Normal People, Paul is also very brainy. The budding actor graduated from The Lir Academy at Trinity College in Dublin, back in 2017.

How do I follow Paul Mescal on social media?

Unlike his fellow famous faces, Paul is not as active on social media as he once was, with the star deleting his Instagram page in April 2021.

Speaking to Bazaar in August 2023, Paul spoke of the public's interest in his personal life, saying: "Eighty percent of that is palatable. And then 20 percent of it is devastating." He then continued: "The stuff that hurts is the personal stuff. It’s nobody else’s business and should never be commented on because it’s indecent. And it’s unkind. Honest answer, it makes me angry.... It’s the entitlement to the information that people expect that just drives me f---ing mad."

His Twitter is still active, however, but the 27-year-old has not tweeted since August 2020. But, if you fancy it, you can follow Paul on Twitter at: mescal_paul

Connell's chain from Normal People

Paul sported a chain necklace during his tenure as Connell on the show, and Connell's chain has became just as popular as the show - even gaining a fan account on Instagram!

As he had it in his possession, Paul went on to donate the chain to raise money for suicide prevention charity Pieta, saying: "I am delighted to be able to help out Pieta by raffling off my chain that has taken on a following of its own since Normal People hit television screens."

Can Paul Mescal sing?

Yes he can! It seems Paul's talents are pretty much endless. Not only is he an amazing Gaelic football player, his acting skills are out of the world and he's also a very talented musician!

In the past, Paul has posted videos of himself on social media singing whilst playing the piano, sounding beautiful may we add.

In July 2020, Paul teamed up with Irish singer Dermot Kennedy for a special gig at the Natural History Museum in London.

Dermot performed some of his songs including 'Power Over Me' and 'Giants, while Paul read out spoken word sections in between the songs at the impressive venue.

And it seems that musical talent runs in his family, as his sister Nell Mescal is also an accomplished singer.

Is Paul Mescal a footballer?

Irish hunk Paul plays Gaelic football, an Irish team sport which is like a cross between rugby and football. Paul actually played in defence at Under 21 level for Kildare GAA and he also played for his college side Maynooth GAA.

Unfortunately, Paul suffered a jaw injury and decided to give up his football career.

Now read:

All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return

Here's where you've seen the cast of Normal People before

All of the popular TV shows looking for applicants right now

How to listen to MFR:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into MFR on FM and DAB across the North of Scotland, online, on our app, or say ‘Play MFR’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. MFR is the home of Jodie at Breakfast, to Garry and Steven getting you home after work.

• normal people
• paul mescal