The Normal People cast took the world by storm when the BBC and Hulu series premiered in April 2020. Based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel, the intimate drama about young love and class differences became a cultural phenomenon. Therefore, the two lead actors, who were relatively unknown before the show, have since become major Hollywood stars.
The series follows Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron over several years. Their on-again, off-again relationship moves from a small Irish town to Trinity College Dublin. As a result, the Normal People cast has received widespread praise for their raw, emotional performances.
Who Are the Main Stars?
Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Marianne Sheridan, the intelligent but lonely teenager from a wealthy but troubled family. She attended a private Protestant school in Sligo before moving to Dublin for university.
Before Normal People, Daisy appeared as Olivia Marsden in Cold Feet. She also acted in Gentleman Jack and War of the Worlds.
Paul Mescal plays Connell Waldron, the popular but quiet son of a single mother. He struggles with anxiety and feelings of inadequacy despite his outward confidence.
Normal People marked Paul’s first major television role. He came from a theatre background, having performed at The Gate Theatre in Dublin.
Like Chloe Burrows, both leads became household names almost overnight after the show’s success.
The Supporting Cast
Sarah Greene plays Lorraine Waldron, Connell’s warm and supportive mother. She works as a cleaner for Marianne’s family.
Sarah is an award-winning Irish actress. She has appeared in Dublin Murders, Penny Dreadful and Ransom. She has also received Tony and Olivier Award nominations for her stage work.
Aislin McGuckin plays Denise Sheridan, Marianne’s troubled mother. Her character struggles with the trauma of her own abusive marriage.
Aislin is recognisable to Outlander fans as Letitia MacKenzie. She also appeared in The Miniaturist and David Copperfield.
Frank Blake plays Alan Sheridan, Marianne’s cruel and abusive older brother. His character provides a dark edge to the series.
Frank previously appeared in Game of Thrones as a sentry. He also acted in The Frankenstein Chronicles.
More Key Characters
Leah McNamara plays Rachel Moran, one of the popular girls at school who has a crush on Connell. She has appeared in Dublin Murders and Vikings.
Sebastian De Souza plays Gareth, Marianne’s first boyfriend at university in Dublin. He rose to fame as Matty Levan in Skins. He has since starred in Kids in Love and Medici.
Fionn O’Shea plays Jamie, a student in Marianne’s friendship group at Trinity College. He has appeared in The Aftermath alongside Keira Knightley.
Éanna Hardwicke plays Rob Hegarty, one of Connell’s close friends from school.
Aoife Hinds plays Helen Brophy, Connell’s girlfriend later in the series. She previously appeared in Cheat and Derry Girls as Mae Chung.
Other cast members include Kwaku Fortune as Philip, Clinton Liberty as Kiernan, and Eliot Salt as Joanna. Desmond Eastwood plays Niall, and India Mullen plays Peggy.
Like Ella Rae Wise on TOWIE, many of these actors used Normal People as a springboard for greater success.
Where Are They Now?
Since Normal People, the cast has achieved remarkable success.
Daisy Edgar-Jones starred as the lead in the hit film Where the Crawdads Sing (2022). She also appeared in the limited series Under the Banner of Heaven alongside Andrew Garfield. She continues to be one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actresses.
Paul Mescal has become an Oscar-nominated actor. Critics praised his performances in Aftersun (2022) and All of Us Strangers (2023). He also starred in Gladiator II.
Sarah Greene continues to work in television and film. She has appeared in Bad Sisters and Bodkin on Apple TV+.
Frank Blake landed a role in the period drama Bridgerton.
Like Sam Thompson, Paul Mescal has successfully transitioned from a breakout role to international stardom.
Why Did the Cast Work So Well?
Critics and fans widely praised the casting of Normal People. The chemistry between Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal appeared effortless and deeply authentic.
Director Lenny Abrahamson chose relatively unknown actors for the leads. This decision allowed viewers to connect with the characters more easily. The supporting cast added emotional depth and realism to the story.
Awards and Recognition
The Normal People cast received numerous award nominations for their performances. Paul Mescal won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor. Daisy Edgar-Jones received nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.
The show also won several other awards. These included Best Drama Series at the Irish Film and Television Awards. The success of the series launched the careers of both lead actors. It also boosted the profiles of the supporting cast.
Conclusion
The Normal People cast created television magic with their raw, honest performances. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal’s unforgettable chemistry brought Sally Rooney’s novel to life. The strong supporting cast added depth and authenticity. Therefore, the show remains one of the most beloved dramas of the 2020s.
Five years after its release, the cast has gone on to achieve incredible success. Consequently, Normal People will be remembered as the launchpad for some of the most exciting acting talents of their generation.
FAQs
Who plays Marianne in Normal People?
Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Marianne Sheridan, the intelligent and vulnerable protagonist.
Who plays Connell in Normal People?
Paul Mescal plays Connell Waldron. This role was his first major television appearance.
Who plays Lorraine in Normal People?
Sarah Greene plays Lorraine Waldron, Connell’s loving mother.
Who plays Alan in Normal People?
Frank Blake plays Alan Sheridan, Marianne’s cruel older brother.
Where can I watch Normal People?
You can watch Normal People on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Hulu in the US.
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