Paul Colm Michael Mescal[1] (/ˈmɛskəl/MESS-kəl;[2][3] born 2 February 1996) is an Irish actor. Born in Maynooth, he studied acting at The Lir Academy and subsequently performed in plays in Dublin theatres. Mescal rose to fame with his role in the miniseries Normal People (2020), earning a BAFTA TV Award and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Mescal was a minor and under-21 Gaelic football player for Kildare and a member of the Maynooth GAA club.[9][10] Gaelic footballer Brian Lacey praised Mescal's skills as a defender,[11] while physical trainer Cian O'Neill described him as "mature beyond his years ... very developed and very strong".[12] He gave up the sport after a jaw injury.[13]
Mescal starred in Drifting, a short film, which was screened at the 2020 Galway Film Fleadh.[33] He played a firefighter in the Channel 5 miniseries The Deceived and appeared in the music video for the song "Scarlet" by The Rolling Stones in August.[34][35] Reviewing The Deceived, The Independent critic Ed Power highlighted Mescal's effortless "sleepy-eyed charm" and "flawless" Donegal accent.[36]
Film breakthrough (2021–present)edit
Mescal made his feature film debut with a supporting role in The Lost Daughter, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal in her directorial debut.[37] Released in 2021, the psychological drama garnered favourable reviews.[38][39] The following year, Mescal starred as a man accused of sexual assault in the psychological drama God's Creatures and as a troubled young father in the drama Aftersun, both of which premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. The two films received positive reviews, with Mescal's performances gaining praise.[40][41]IndieWire critic Kate Erbland found Mescal's work in God's Creatures "powerful" and "quietly chilling".[42] Reviewing Aftersun, Peter Travers of ABC News highlighted his "disarming charm and elemental power" in his portrayal of a "complex role".[43] He received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor and the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for the latter.[44][45]
Mescal speaks English and Irish.[62][63] He moved from his native Ireland to London in 2020.[64] Mescal stated in 2022 that he had purchased a property in Ireland, with the intention of spending time there when he is not working. He is open about seeing a therapist, which he says is "to keep sane".[65] Mescal has said that "the entitlement to the information that people expect" angers him and that private matters "should never be commented on" because it is "indecent" as well as "unkind".[66] Mescal was in a relationship with singer Phoebe Bridgers.[66][67] He appeared in Bridgers' music video for the song "Savior Complex", directed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.[68] He also provided background vocals on Bridgers' song "So Much Wine", with its proceeds going to the Los Angeles LGBT Center.[69]
^"Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott Take The Co-Star Test". Buzzfeed. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
^"Rapid Fire Questions: Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones • Normal People". Hulu. 6 May 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
^"Paul Mescal Goes Undercover on YouTube, Twitter and Wikipedia". GQ. 19 October 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
^"Paul Mescal: Age, Height & Dating Details Of 'Normal People' Actor". Capital FM. Archived from the original on 3 May 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
^Armstrong, Maggie (11 January 2020). "Readers' expectations are the 'biggest source of anxiety' – Paul Mescal on tackling role of Connell in Normal People". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 31 May 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
^ abcPaiella, Gabriella (19 October 2020). "How Paul Mescal Became the Crush of the Year". GQ. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
^Glasgow, Abigail (29 April 2020). "'Normal People' Star Paul Mescal Showed His Parents the Sex Scenes". Paper. Archived from the original on 2 May 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
^ abLloyd, Brian (2 May 2020). "Here's 'Normal People' star Paul Mescal performing 'Phantom of the Opera' as a teen". Entertainment.ie. Archived from the original on 29 November 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
^Ward, Patrick (16 December 2017). "From Kildare football star to Irish theatre star – Mescal revelling on a new stage". Kildare Now. Archived from the original on 3 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
^Lawlor, Damian (28 July 2017). "Lacey backs Kildare to prosper without one that got away". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 3 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
^Keane, Paul (14 May 2020). "Former Kildare boss Cian O'Neill got a glimpse of Paul Mescal's acting talent". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
^ abFitch Little, Harriet (16 March 2020). "Meet the Charismatic Stars of the Highly-Anticipated Normal People Adaptation". Vogue. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
^ abcHeaf, Jonathan (28 November 2020). "Paul Mescal: 'I had no control over one of the biggest moments in my life'". British GQ. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
^Fenwick, George (1 June 2020). "Who is Paul Mescal? The Normal People actor who plays Connell". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 29 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
^ abcGreen, Alex (6 August 2020). "Paul Mescal: From TV debut to Rolling Stones music video in less than a year". Belfast Telegraph. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
^Crawley, Peter (13 July 2017). "The Great Gatsby at the Gate: a magnificently entertaining, dizzying party". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
^ abSweeney, Tanya (15 December 2017). "'It was tough... but I've stepped into a time in Irish theatre that's really alive'". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 15 December 2017. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
^ abCummins, Steve (17 November 2018). "Review: Asking For It at Abbey Theatre, Dublin". The Times. Archived from the original on 17 November 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2020. Paul Mescal delivers a standout performance as Bryan, Emma's sympathetic brother.
^ abcCrawley, Peter (4 August 2018). "It's a kind of magic: electric midsummer night's dreams in Kilkenny Castle". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
^ abCharleton, Fiona (9 February 2020). "Theatre review: The Lieutenant of Inishmore". The Times. Archived from the original on 9 February 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
^Mangan, Lucy (26 April 2020). "Normal People review – Sally Rooney's love story is a small-screen triumph". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 26 April 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
^ abGoldsbrough, Susannah (22 April 2020). "Normal People, first-look review: a riveting romance for the millennial age". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2020. Normal People arrives as a boxset on BBC Three on April 26.
^Holmes, Linda (29 April 2020). "Review: 'Normal People' Skillfully Adapts Sally Rooney's Novel". NPR. Archived from the original on 29 April 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
^Machell, Ben (18 May 2020). "Paul Mescal: the heart-throb star of Sally Rooney's Normal People". The Times. Archived from the original on 6 February 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
^Rao, Sonia (4 November 2022). "Paul Mescal on 'Aftersun,' disaster movies and that 'Normal People' ending". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
^Kanter, Jake (6 June 2021). "BAFTA TV Awards Winners: 'I May Destroy You' Triumphs; Paul Mescal Wins Best Actor; 'The Crown' Snubbed". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
^Framke, Caroline (22 April 2020). "'Normal People' Review: Hulu's Sally Rooney Adaptation is Bruising". Variety. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
^Paskin, Willa (24 April 2020). "Normal People, Hulu's swoony adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel, reviewed". Slate. Archived from the original on 6 January 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
^Villarreal, Yvonne (28 July 2020). "Emmys 2020: Paul Mescal of 'Normal People' on his nomination". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
^Schneider, Michael (18 January 2021). "'Ozark,' 'The Crown' and Netflix Lead 26th Annual Critics' Choice Awards TV Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
^ ab"Granard film to feature in Galway Film Fleadh". The Anglo-Celt. 8 July 2020. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
^ abCarr, Flora (4 August 2020). "The Deceived's creators: 'There was a buzz about Paul Mescal – but no one predicted this'". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
^ abGreene, Andy (6 August 2020). "Watch the New Rolling Stones Video 'Scarlet,' Starring Paul Mescal". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
^Power, Ed (4 August 2020). "The Deceived review: Paul Mescal conjures his sleepy-eyed charm in this silly and likeable caper". The Independent. Archived from the original on 5 July 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
^ abGaluppo, Mia (28 August 2020). "Normal People Breakout Paul Mescal Joins Maggie Gyllenhaal Directorial Debut The Lost Daughter". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 28 August 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
^Goldsmith, Jill (17 December 2021). "The Lost Daughter, The Novice, The Tender Bar Open Into Spider-Man Maelstrom, Covid Jitters – Specialty Preview". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
^Paterson, Colin (16 December 2021). "The Lost Daughter: Olivia Colman on her 'searingly honest' film on motherhood". BBC News Online. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
^ abcSeth, Radhika (23 May 2022). "Paul Mescal is Taking Cannes by Storm". British Vogue. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
^Lattanzio, Ryan (24 May 2022). "A24 Buys Paul Mescal Cannes Drama Aftersun for U.S., Canada". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
^Erbland, Kate (19 May 2022). "God's Creatures Review: Emily Watson and Paul Mescal Crackle in Chilly Irish Family Drama". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
^Travers, Peter (4 November 2022). "Aftersun review: This is the best film of the year by a first time writer-director". ABC News. Archived from the original on 4 November 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
^Lang, Brent; Moreau, Jordan (24 January 2023). "Oscar Nominations 2023: The Full List". Variety. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
^Ravindran, Manori (19 January 2023). "BAFTA Awards Nominations Unveiled: All Quiet on the Western Front Leads Race, Banshees & Everything Everywhere Come Up Strong". Variety. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
^ abLambert, Harper (1 February 2023). "Carmen Starring Paul Mescal and Melissa Barrera Gets Theatrical Release From Sony Pictures Classics". TheWrap. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
^Ehrlich, David (22 September 2022). "Carmen Review: Lovers on the Run in Benjamin Millepied's Unclassifiable Dance Odyssey". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
^ ab"A Streetcar Named Desire at 75: Blanche, Stanley, and the Tennessee Williams play that still haunts us". The Independent. 19 December 2022. Archived from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
^ abWiegand, Chris (25 January 2023). "A Streetcar Named Desire with Paul Mescal transfers to West End". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
^Maxwell, Dominic (13 January 2023). "A Streetcar Named Desire review — Magnetic Paul Mescal is no normal leading man". The Times. Archived from the original on 13 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
^Gumuchian, Marie-Louise (2 April 2023). "Paul Mescal, Jodie Comer win prizes at London theatre's Olivier awards". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
^Canfield, David (23 August 2023). "Inside All of Us Strangers, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal's Metaphysical Love Story". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
^Davis, Clayton (30 August 2023). "Telluride Lineup Includes World Premieres of Saltburn, The Bikeriders and Rustin With Tributes for Yorgos Lanthimos and Wim Wenders". Variety. Archived from the original on 31 August 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
^ abRooney, David (31 August 2023). "All of Us Strangers Release Date Set for December". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 1 September 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
^Ritman, Alex; Shafer, Ellise (18 January 2024). "BAFTA Film Awards Nominations: 'Oppenheimer' and 'Poor Things' Lead as 'Barbie' Falls Short". Variety. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
^ abD'Alessandro, Anthony (15 August 2023). "Foe Release Date: Saoirse Ronan-Paul Mescal Sci-Fi Film Due In Fall Via Amazon". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 15 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
^London, Rob (20 November 2023). "Foe Finds Its Streaming Home". Collider. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
^Guarnieri, Isabella (3 November 2023). "Why did Foe flop?". Dazed. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
^ abKroll, Justin (6 January 2023). "Paul Mescal To Star In Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator' Sequel For Paramount". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 6 January 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
^ abDamshenas, Sam. "The History of Sound director says Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor are "on fire" in gay drama". Gay Times. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
^ abSneider, Jeff (9 January 2023). "Exclusive: Paul Mescal Replaces Blake Jenner in Richard Linklater's 20-Year Movie Merrily We Roll Along". AboveTheLine. Archived from the original on 9 January 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
^Parkel, Inga (20 February 2023). "Paul Mescal wows fans with fluent Irish interview on Baftas red carpet". The Independent. Archived from the original on 23 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
^Fahy, Claire (24 February 2023). "'Bursting Proud': Ireland Cheers Paul Mescal for Embracing Irish Language". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
^Kaufman, Amy (7 July 2020). "'Normal People' stars can't wait until they can go out for a beer and dance together". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 7 July 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
^Hodgkin, Beatrice (16 December 2022). "The quiet magnetism of Paul Mescal". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
^ abDe Loera, Carlos (17 August 2023). "Paul Mescal is 'angry' that entitled fans want personal info". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
^Soteriou, Stephanie (25 August 2023). "Paul Mescal Just Alluded To The "Grief" Of His And Phoebe Bridgers's Breakup For The First Time". BuzzFeed News. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
^ abSavage, Mark (1 December 2020). "Paul Mescal stars in Phoebe Bridgers' music video for Savior Complex". BBC News. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
^McHugh, Connell (18 November 2022). "Phoebe Bridgers releases annual Christmas cover featuring vocals from Paul Mescal". The Irish Post. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
^Corcoran, Mark (31 July 2020). "Normal People star Paul Mescal and sister Nell show off amazing talent in incredible duet". Irish Mirror. Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
^Hodgkinson, Will (31 July 2020). "Dermot Kennedy and Paul Mescal review — an atmospheric and imaginative livestream show". The Times. Archived from the original on 31 July 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
^Evans, Greg (7 October 2020). "Morgan Freeman, Laurie Metcalf, Ellen Burstyn, Laura Linney, Matthew Broderick Among All-Star Lineup For Virtual Broadway Play Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
^"12 Things I Learned From Gucci's Sabato De Sarno Documentary". Vogue. 20 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
^Kreps, Daniel (21 April 2023). "See Paul Mescal Make Music Debut With 'Slip Away' From 'Carmen'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
^"Carmen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes. 21 April 2023. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
External linksedit
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