From Ben Hur to the Rocky Horror Picture Show Northern Ireland’s acting ensemble have had a surprising list of Holywood hits.
Sure, we all know about the Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt blockbusting films and TV hits, but here’s some of the lesser known stars.
1. Patricia Quinn
When it comes down to ‘cult’ films there is none bigger than Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Picture Show, and one that has a surprising Northern Ireland connection.
The one and only creepy Magenta is played by Belfast’s Patricia Quinn.
2. Ray Stevenson (pictured above)
Super hero roles are sought by nearly every actor, and The Punisher was one of the roles sought by many an actor and one of hours got it.
Born in Lisburn Stevenson also starred as Firefly in GI Joe and as Volstagg in Thor.
3. Stephen Boyd
The Glengormley native Stephen Boyd could have pursued a career in bookkeeping, but chose the path of acting, a path which took him to star with Charlton Heston on one of movie history’s biggest films, Ben Hur, playing the role of Messala.
4. Paula Malcolmson
Mother of Katniss in the adoption of The Hunger Games, parts in The Green Mile and A.I. Artificial Intelligence Belfast born Malcolmson has also starred in C.S.I. and been a regular in the biker drama Sons Of Anarchy.
5. Martin McCann
Keanu Reeves may have grabbed the Oscar headlines for the brutal 2015 film The Survivalist, just behind the bear…
But there is a Belfast connection in the shape of actor Martin McCann. He also was in Killing Bono, but Bono is still alive.
6. Geraldine Hughes
When it comes to such heavyweights as Sylvester Stallone and Clint Eastwood Belfast actress Geraldine Hughes has been at their side as Little Marie in Rocky Balboa and as Eastwood’s daughter-in-law in Gran Torino. And she’s Dottie in the dark TV series Gotham.
7. Clive Standen
Doctor Who, Robin Hood, and the wonderfully bloody series Vikings are all in the resume of Holywood born actor Standen.
Oh, and he is an international Muay Thai boxer and a fencing gold medalist so if you want an autograph ask nicely.