James Nesbitt is a well-known Northern Irish actor. The latter is famous for his roles in Bloody Sunday and Five Minutes of Heaven, where he played opposite Liam Neeson. A talented actor, he specializes in Anglo-Saxon TV series, but also plays in a number of politically committed films…
James Nesbitt was born on January 15, 1965 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. The youngest son in a family of 4 children, James spent a rather peaceful childhood, quickly discovering his love of theater and comedy. Initially intending to become a French teacher, he attended university in Coleraine, where he learned the rudiments of the language of Molière. At the same time, he enrolled in acting classes at the Riverside Theatre.
James Nesbitt soon decided to give up his studies and move to London, where he enrolled at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama. To finance his courses and rent, he works at various jobs to pay his bills.
James Nesbitt landed his first interesting TV roles in 1985. But it wasn’t until 1996 that he became a household name, starring in the BBC series Ballykissangel. He then moved on to the series Cold Feet, and in 1998, shot the film “Waking Ned”, in which he brilliantly played the role of Pig Finn.
From this point on, the Northern Irish actor was showered with awards, and James Nesbitt became a well-known figure in the English-speaking world. The number of projects then multiplied, from simple TV series to more accomplished films, always bringing together the most prestigious casts…
This was followed by Paul Greengrass’ acclaimed film Bloody Sunday, in which he played Ivan Cooper. This docu-fiction-style film recounts the tragically deadly events of 1972’s Bloody Sunday. Critics hail his impeccably interpreted performance.
His last major film was Five Minutes of Heaven, in which he co-stars the talented Liam Neeson.
On the strength of his success, James Nesbitt lives in London with his family, and tries his hand at works that are as complex as they are politically committed.
