Laura Donnelly

Laura Donnelly
Donnelly in 2019
Born (1982-06-24) 24 June 1982
Belfast, Northern Ireland
EducationRoyal Conservatoire of Scotland (B.A.)
OccupationActress
Years active2004–present
PartnerJez Butterworth
Children2
AwardsLaurence Olivier Award for Best Actress (2018)

Laura Donnelly (born 24 June 1982) is an actress from Northern Ireland.[1] Known for her collaborations with playwright Jez Butterworth, Donnelly has appeared in the West End and Broadway productions of his plays The River (2012–2015), The Ferryman (2017–2019), and The Hills of California (2024).[2][3] For her performance in The Ferryman, she won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.[4][5] For The Hills of California, she won the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award, and received additional Laurence Olivier Award and Tony Award nominations.[6][7][8][9]

Early life and education

Donnelly was born on 24 June 1982 in Belfast, Northern Ireland to a Catholic family.[10] She grew up in the city during the height of the Troubles, a period of political and sectarian conflict that profoundly shaped her early life.[11] She has stated that her father is a doctor while her mother is a nurse.[12]

As a child, Donnelly studied Irish dance and ballet under Patricia Mulholland. She attended the Rathmore Grammar School in Belfast, where she developed an early love for drama.[13] Donnelly subsequently earned a B.A. in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2004.[14]

Career

2004–2012: Early screen and stage work

After graduating from drama school in 2004, Donnelly began her career with stage productions in Dublin, Republic of Ireland and Edinburgh, Scotland before moving into television work in the mid-2000s.[15][16] She made her screen debut in the Channel 4 drama Sugar Rush in 2005 and subsequently appeared in series including Casualty, Hex, and Merlin. In 2009 she starred in the horror film Dread, followed by a supporting role in the BBC drama Best: His Mother's Son, based on the life of footballer George Best.[17] During this period she also continued to work extensively in theatre, appearing in productions at the Royal National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, and Bush Theatre. In 2012 Donnelly appeared opposite Hugh Jackman in the original Royal Court production of Jez Butterworth's The River. The production later transferred to the Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway, marking her Broadway debut.[18]

2013–2019: The Fall, Outlander, and The Ferryman

In 2013 Donnelly portrayed Sarah Kay in the BBC crime drama The Fall, starring opposite Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan.[19] The following year she began appearing as Jenny Fraser Murray in the Starz historical drama Outlander, a role which brought her international recognition.[20] She later appeared in the ITV fantasy series Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands and the Sky UK/Amazon Prime Video historical drama series Britannia.[21][22] In 2017, Donnelly originated the role of Caitlin Carney in Jez Butterworth's The Ferryman at the Royal Court Theatre, directed by Sam Mendes.[23] Inspired in part by the disappearance and killing of Donnelly's uncle during The Troubles, the play became the fastest-selling production in the Royal Court's history.[24]Later that year, the production transferred to the Gielgud Theatre on the West End, earning Donnelly the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress, as well as a nomination for the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress.[25][26] In 2018, The Ferryman transferred to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Broadway. The production won the Tony Award for Best Play, while Donnelly was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.[27]

2020–present: The Nevers and continued stage work

From 2021 to 2023, Donnelly starred as Amalia True in the HBO science-fiction drama The Nevers, created by Joss Whedon. Her performance received critical acclaim, as well as a nomination for the Critics' Choice Super Award for Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series.[28] In 2022 she appeared as Elsa Bloodstone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe television special Werewolf by Night for Disney+.[29] In January 2024, Donnelly returned to the West End in Jez Butterworth's The Hills of California at the Harold Pinter Theatre, directed by Sam Mendes. In the production she portrayed both Veronica Webb and the adult Joan Webb, earning a second nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress.[30] The production subsequently transferred to the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway. Donnelley's performance received wide-spread acclaim, earning both the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play, as well as a second nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.

Television

On television, Donnelly is best known for her roles in the Starz series Outlander (2014–2017), the ITV series Beowulf (2016), and the HBO series The Nevers (2021–2023), for which she was nominated for the Critics' Choice Super Award for Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series.[31][32] Her film roles include Dread (2009), Hello Carter (2013), The Program, (2015) Tolkien (2019), and Werewolf by Night (2022) as Elsa Bloodstone.[33] In 2026, Donnelly starred as Charlotte in Season 2 of Apple TV's Sugar, also starring Colin Farrell.[34][35]

Personal life

Donnelly lives in London with her partner Jez Butterworth, and their two daughters.[36]

Acting credits

Film

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2007 Be More Ethnic Leanne O'Dwyer BBC TV film [33]
2008 Insatiable Rachel [33]
2009 Dread Abby [33]
Right Hand Drive Ashley [33]
Best: His Mother's Son Barbara Best BBC TV film [33]
2013 Hello Carter Tara [33]
2014 Heart of Lightness Ellida [33]
2015 The Program Emma O'Reilly [33]
2019 Tolkien Mabel Tolkien [33]
2022 Werewolf by Night Elsa Bloodstone Marvel TV film [33]
2023 The Heist Before Christmas Patricia [33]

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2005 Sugar Rush Beth 2 episodes [31]
Casualty Fleur Butler 7 episodes [31]
Hex Maya Robertson 4 episodes [31]
2006 The Bill Jody Macmillan Episode: "Chasing Shadows" [31]
2007 Rough Diamond Aoife Episode: "#1.3" [31]
2009 Occupation Katy Hibbs 2 episodes [31]
Merlin Freya 2 episodes [31]
2010 Comedy Lab Various Episode: "iCandy" [31]
2012 Missing Violet Heath Main role: 10 episodes [31]
2013 The Fall Sarah Kay 5 episodes [31]
2014–2017 Outlander Janet "Jenny" Fraser Murray Main role, 8 episodes [31]
2016 Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands Elvina Main role, 13 episodes [31]
2018–2021 Britannia Hella 6 episodes [31]
2021–2023 The Nevers Zephyr Alexis Navine / Amalia True Main role, 12 episodes [31]
2024 Say Nothing Older Helen McConville Miniseries; 3 episodes [31]
2026 Sugar Charlotte Streaming Series, 8 episodes [37]
2026 The Dark Monica Kennedy Filming [38]

Theatre

Year Title Role Playwright Venue Ref.
2004Boston MarriageCatherineDavid MametProject Arts Centre, Dublin[39]
2007Dancing at LughnasaChrissieBrian FrielLyric Theatre Belfast[40]
2008A Midsummer Night's DreamHermiaWilliam ShakespeareRegent's Park Open Air Theatre, London[14]
Romeo & JulietJuliet
2009Judgement DayAnnaChristopher Hampton & Ödön von HorváthAlmeida Theatre, West End[41]
2012Philadelphia, Here I Come!Katie DooganBrian FrielDonmar Warehouse, West End[42]
The RiverOther WomanJez ButterworthRoyal Court Theatre, West End[43]
2013Tutto Bene Mamma?The WomenApril De AngelisThe Print Room, London[44]
2014–2015The RiverOther WomanJez ButterworthCircle in the Square, Broadway[45]
2015The WaspHeatherMorgan Lloyd MalcolmTrafalgar Studios, West End[46]
2017–2018The FerrymanCaitlin CarneyJez ButterworthRoyal Court Theatre & Gielgud Theatre, West End[47]
2018–2019Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, Broadway[48]
2024The Hills of CaliforniaVeronica / JoanHarold Pinter Theatre, West End[49]
Broadhurst Theater, Broadway[50]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2010 Fright Meter Awards Best Supporting Actress Dread Nominated [51]
2017 Evening Standard Theatre Award Best Actress The Ferryman Nominated [52]
2018 Laurence Olivier Award Best Actress Won [53]
2019 Tony Award Best Actress in a Play Nominated [54]
2022 Critics' Choice Super Awards Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series The Nevers Nominated [51]
2024 Laurence Olivier Award Best Actress The Hills of California Nominated [55]
2025 Tony Award Best Actress in a Play Nominated [56]
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play Won [57]
Dorian Awards Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play Nominated [58]
Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play Won [59]

References

  1. ↑ Lang, Brent (18 October 2024). "'The Hills of California' Star Laura Donnelly on Working With Partner Jez Butterworth and Why the Play Changed Completely During Broadway Rehearsals". Variety. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  2. ↑ "Laura Donnelly". West End Theatre. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  3. ↑ "Laura Donnelly". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  4. ↑ "Laura Donnelly Signs With CAA". Variety. 19 December 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  5. ↑ "Tony Award Nominations: 'Hadestown', 'Ain't Too Proud' Lead Pack". The Hollywood Reporter. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  6. ↑ "All the Winners at the 2025 Drama Desk Awards". Vogue. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  7. ↑ "Maybe Happy Ending Leads 2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards: See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  8. ↑ "Olivier awards 2024: complete list of nominations". The Guardian. 12 March 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  9. ↑ "Nominees for 2025 Tony Awards". Tony Awards. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  10. ↑ "Laura Donnelly". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  11. ↑ "Laura Donnelly: 'I thought: am I capable of this?'". The Guardian. 8 August 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  12. ↑ "The Hills of California star Laura Donnelly: 'These days being Northern Irish is seen for something in and of itself'". The Irish Times. 20 April 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  13. ↑ "Belfast actress Laura Donnelly on starring in play inspired by uncle's IRA murder". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  14. 1 2 "Laura Donnelly". Jag London. 12 March 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  15. ↑ "Laura Donnelly". I-M Magazine. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  16. ↑ "Boston Marriage". The Times. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  17. ↑ "The Friday Play". BBC. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  18. ↑ "Cue & A: The River Star Laura Donnelly on Her Early Inspirations, Dream Roles, and Playing Hugh Jackman's Other Woman". Playbill. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  19. ↑ "Dead good in The Fall, Laura Donnelly is class act". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  20. ↑ "Outlander's Laura Donnelly Joins Starz Drama as Jenny Fraser". The Hollywood Reporter. 7 May 2015. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  21. ↑ "Review: ITV's 'Beowulf' is a silly fantasy with no magic". Los Angeles Times. 23 January 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  22. ↑ "Britannia review – Jez Butterworth's Roman invasion drama is weirdly wonderful". The Guardian. 3 December 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  23. ↑ "The Ferryman review – Butterworth returns with state-of-the-nation magic". The Guardian. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  24. ↑ "Jez Butterworth's Irish Family Epic The Ferryman Comes to Broadway".
  25. ↑ "The Ferryman". Royal Court Theatre Living Archive. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  26. ↑ "Andrew Garfield and Glenda Jackson among Evening Standard nominees". The Guardian. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  27. ↑ "Jez Butterworth's The Ferryman Transferring to Broadway". TheaterMania. 13 February 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  28. ↑ "'The Nevers': TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter. 8 April 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  29. ↑ "'Werewolf by Night' Review: Marvel's Halloween Special Packs a Monster of a Punch". The Hollywood Reporter. 7 October 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  30. ↑ "With The Hills of California, British Theater's Coolest Power Couple Is the Toast of the West End Once Again".
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Laura Donnelly Credits". TV Guide. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  32. ↑ "Critics Choice Super Awards: 'Spider-Man', 'Shang-Chi' Lead Film Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Laura Donnelly". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  34. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (7 March 2025). "'Sugar': Jin Ha, Laura Donnelly & Tony Dalton Join Apple Series For Season 2". Deadline. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
  35. ↑ Squires, Bethy (15 July 2026). "Colin Farrell Thinks We're All Suffering From 'Couch Fatigue'". Vulture. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
  36. ↑ Soloski, Alexis (6 April 2021). "Laura Donnelly's Week: 'Dora the Explorer' and a Poetry Prescription". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  37. ↑ Travers, Ben (7 August 2026). "The Secret Is Out: 'Sugar' Season 2 Got Good". IndieWire. Retrieved 7 August 2026.
  38. ↑ Lewis, George (2 September 2025). "Star of beloved ITV crime drama confirmed to lead "fantastic" cast of new Scotland-set thriller". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  39. ↑ "Boston Marriage". Project Arts Centre. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  40. ↑ Billington, Michael. "Dancing at Lughnasa". British Theatre Guide. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  41. ↑ "Rising to the Challenge: On teaming up with partner Jez Butterworth again, and why stage work is so artistically fulfilling". Fabric Magazine. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  42. ↑ "Philadelphia, Here I Come!". Variety. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  43. ↑ "The River". Royal Court Theatre. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  44. ↑ "Tutto Bene, Mamma? Play that keeps audience in the dark". BBC News. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  45. ↑ "The River (Broadway, 2014)". Playbill. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  46. ↑ "The Wasp review – tables turned on a school bully". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  47. ↑ "Jez Butterworth's The Ferryman Will Transfer to West End". Playbill. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  48. ↑ "The Ferryman (Broadway, 2018)". Playbill. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  49. ↑ "The Hills of California review: Jez Butterworth has created a flawed masterpiece on a par with Jerusalem". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  50. ↑ "The Hills of California (Broadway, 2024)". Playbill. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  51. 1 2 "Laura Donnelly Awards". imdb (Index source only). Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  52. ↑ Thompson, Jessie (4 December 2017). "These are the winners of the 2017 Evening Standard Theatre Awards". www.standard.co.uk. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  53. ↑ "Olivier Awards 2018". Olivier Awards. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  54. ↑ "The Tony Award Nominations". www.tonyawards.com. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  55. ↑ "Olivier Awards 2024 with Mastercard nominations announced". Official London Theatre. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  56. ↑ "2025 Tony Awards: 'Buena Vista Social Club', 'Death Becomes Her', 'Maybe Happy Ending' Lead Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  57. ↑ "2024-2025 Drama Desk Awards nominations announce". NY1. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  58. ↑ "'Death Becomes Her' leads nominations for Dorian Theater Awards". Broadwaynews. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  59. ↑ "Death Becomes Her Leads 2025 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations; Read the Full List". Playbill. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
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