Jessie Buckley is an acclaimed Irish actress and singer whose career has spanned stage, film, and television. Born in 1989 in Killarney, Ireland, Buckley rose to prominence after placing second in the BBC talent show "I'd Do Anything" in 2008 and has since garnered critical acclaim for her performances, earning nominations for an Academy Award and multiple BAFTA Awards.
Jessie Buckley was born in December 1989 in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, as the eldest of five children12. Her mother, Marina Cassidy, a former opera singer turned vocal coach, encouraged Jessie's musical talents from an early age13. Buckley's father, Tim Buckley, is a poet who also ran a guesthouse where the family occasionally lived and worked4.
Growing up, Buckley attended Ursuline Secondary School, an all-girls convent school in Thurles, County Tipperary12. There, she honed her performing skills, often taking on male roles in school productions, including Tony in "West Side Story" and Freddie Trumper in "Chess"13. Buckley's musical education was extensive; she achieved Grade 8 in piano, clarinet, and harp at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and was a member of the Tipperary Millennium Orchestra15. Her early passion for performance led her to attend summer workshops with the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS), where her talent was recognized and she was encouraged to pursue drama school in London1.
Jessie Buckley's breakthrough role came in the 2018 film "Wild Rose," where she played Rose-Lynn Harlan, a young Glaswegian woman aspiring to become a country music star. The film showcased Buckley's exceptional acting and singing talents, earning her widespread critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role12.
Buckley immersed herself in country music for the role, co-writing songs and performing live for the film1.
She received praise for capturing the character's raw energy, tenacity, and vulnerability2.
The role led to opportunities like performing at the Glastonbury Festival and supporting Kris Kristofferson on stage13.
"Wild Rose" marked a turning point in Buckley's career, establishing her as a rising star in both acting and music45.
Jessie Buckley maintains a relatively private personal life, but some details have emerged. In January 2024, she revealed that she had married her partner Freddie, an English mental health worker, in a summer ceremony at their home in Norfolk12. The couple met on a blind date while Buckley was working on "Wild Rose" in 20181.
Buckley splits her time between homes in Norfolk and Dalston, East London12.
She was previously in a relationship with actor James Norton from 2015 to 20173.
Outside of acting, Buckley enjoys cycling in London, cooking, and spending time with non-industry friends4.
She is an ambassador for The Matt Talbot Community Trust, which supports individuals recovering from addiction3.
Despite her rising international career, Buckley maintains strong ties to her hometown of Killarney, Ireland, returning regularly to visit family and friends4.