Irish actress Jessie Buckley, currently a hot favourite for the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Hamnet, attributes her creative foundation to an unconventional upbringing devoid of television. The 36-year-old star, who grew up in Killarney, County Kerry, only received a TV set during her teenage years, a factor her family believes was instrumental in cultivating her remarkable artistic talents.
A Childhood Steeped in Music and Nature
Buckley's parents, Marina Cassidy, a harpist and teacher, and Tom Buckley, a musician, poet, and historian, fostered a home environment rich in creativity. Without the distraction of television, young Jessie immersed herself in music, mastering the Irish harp, clarinet, and piano. Her uncle Sean and his wife, Carol Dempsey, explained to the Sunday Times that this television-free existence allowed the family to experiment creatively and spend significant time in nature together.
"Music really was her first love, long before acting took over," they noted, highlighting how this early foundation paved the way for her later success.
From Talent Show to Critical Acclaim
Buckley first captured public attention in 2008 as a contestant on the BBC talent show I'd Do Anything, overseen by Andrew Lloyd Webber. She competed against eleven others for the role of Nancy in a revival of the musical Oliver!. Although she lost to Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger and declined an offer to be her understudy from Sir Cameron Mackintosh, this experience marked the beginning of her ascent.
Her breakthrough came with the 2017 thriller Beast, which garnered critical acclaim. This was followed by a starring role in The Lost Daughter, earning her an Oscar nomination in 2022. Dempsey remarked, "She always challenges herself in each new role, and also because she wants to make a difference."
Award-Winning Performances and Oscar Buzz
Buckley's portrayal of Agnes, Shakespeare's wife, in Hamnet has already secured her a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award. This performance has solidified her status as a leading contender for this year's Best Actress Oscar, capping a career built on a unique, television-free childhood that nurtured her innate creativity and dedication to her craft.
