Kerry Condon, although currently gaining widespread recognition, has been a force in the acting world for decades, consistently delivering powerful performances. Most recently, she is in the limelight for her horror film Night Swim. She garnered significant awards buzz for her role as Siobhán Súilleabháin in Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin, where she shared the screen with acclaimed actors Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Barry Keoghan, all of whom have also received their accolades.
Irish Roots:
Hailing from County Tipperary in Ireland, Kerry Condon, born on January 9, 1983, has mastered the art of concealing her accent when portraying American characters.
A Long Struggling Career:
While The Banshees of Inisherin marked a breakthrough, Condon is far from a newcomer to the acting scene. Her journey began in 1999 with roles in Angela’s Ashes and the Irish TV series Ballykissangel.
With over two decades in the industry, she has diversified her portfolio, showcasing her talent in plays, TV shows, and films. Notably, Condon has collaborated multiple times with Martin McDonagh, who crafted Banshees with her in mind.
Diverse Portfolio:
Condon’s acting credits extend to productions like Anatomy of Hope, Rome, The Walking Dead, Luck, Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri, and Better Call Saul. Additionally, she has lent her voice to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying F.R.I.D.A.Y., a fictional artificial intelligence, in films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, Spiderman: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.
Embracing Recognition:
While Condon is grateful for the newfound fame following The Banshees, she admits to enjoying a low-key existence. Describing herself as a bit of a recluse, she expressed contentment with flying under the radar for a considerable part of her career.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I was making lots of money and my life was lovely. I guess I felt hard done by when I would be down to the last two or three [actresses] but not get parts. I was like, ‘What [is] it going to take for me to be the one who gets it?’ Hopefully, Banshees is what it’s going to take.”
Chemistry on and off Screen: Kerry Condon and Colin Farrell
The undeniable on-screen chemistry between Kerry Condon and Colin Farrell, portraying squabbling siblings in The Banshees of Inisherin, is no mere coincidence. Their connection is deeply rooted in a longstanding friendship that spans back for years.
Condon reminisced about their history, stating, “I knew Colin from a very long time ago, my second job ever was this TV show called Ballykissangel, and it was very early on in his career that we were both on this show.” Their camaraderie further solidified as they collaborated on another Irish film, Intermission, about 16 years ago.
Acknowledging the benefit of their pre-existing relationship, Condon shared with Screen Rant, “Basically, it wasn’t my first time meeting him, and that helps, that was the first thing that kind of helped. I didn’t have to get to know him.” The ease with which they interacted off-screen translated seamlessly into their on-screen performances.
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In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Condon provided additional insights into their dynamic, highlighting their ability to share jokes and make each other laugh, creating a comfortable working environment.
However, despite the familiarity, playing Farrell’s sister in Banshees demanded a different focus for Condon. She humorously remarked, “I also had to think about how when you’re with your brother there’s nothing s3xual — and you have to think about that if you’re in a room with Colin Farrell.” She lightheartedly added, “I can’t be concerned about my appearance or how I look when I say a particular line.” Their professional camaraderie and shared humor contributed to the success of their portrayals on the big screen.
Top 5 Best Performances Of Kerry Condon
Kerry Condon has established herself as a versatile and talented actress, portraying a range of characters across various movies and TV shows. Her ability to breathe life into diverse roles has earned her acclaim in the entertainment industry. Let’s delve into some of her standout performances and the uniqueness she brings to each character.
1. The Banshees Of Inisherin – Siobhán Súilleabháin:
In this Martin McDonagh film, Condon takes on the role of Siobhán Súilleabháin, showcasing her prowess in dramatic storytelling. Siobhán’s character is integral to the film’s narrative, and Condon’s portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the complex emotions Siobhán experiences. Condon’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously makes her performance a standout in The Banshees of Inisherin.
2. In The Land Of Saints and Sinners – Doireann McCann:
Transitioning to the TV series realm, Condon takes on the character of Doireann McCann in “In The Land Of Saints and Sinners.” The movie allows Condon to explore a different genre, demonstrating her adaptability. Doireann’s character is likely to be a departure from Siobhán, providing Condon with the opportunity to showcase her range as an actress.
3. Rome – Octavia of the Julii:
In the historical drama series “Rome,” Condon steps into the shoes of Octavia of the Julii, offering audiences a glimpse into her versatility. Playing a character in a historical setting requires a different set of skills, and Condon effortlessly embodies the nuances of Octavia, adding depth and authenticity to the show’s rich narrative.
4. Unleashed – Victoria:
Switching gears to a different genre, Condon takes on the role of Victoria in “Unleashed.” This film allows her to explore the realm of fantasy and unleash a different facet of her acting capabilities. Victoria’s character, distinct from her previous roles, showcases Condon’s ability to navigate diverse genres with finesse.
5. Better Call Saul – Stacey Ehrmantraut:
In the acclaimed series “Better Call Saul,” Condon tackles the role of Stacey Ehrmantraut, a character embedded in the world of crime and drama. Condon’s performance adds layers to Stacey’s character, contributing to the depth of the overall narrative. Her portrayal reflects her adaptability to the complex and intense nature of the “Breaking Bad” prequel.
Distinguishing Characters By Kerry Condon
What sets Condon apart is her seamless transition between roles that demand varying emotional ranges and genres. Siobhán Súilleabháin requires a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, while Doireann McCann explores the intricacies of character dynamics in a TV series. Octavia of the Julii demands a historical perspective, and Victoria in “Unleashed” ventures into the fantastical.
Condon’s portrayal of Stacey Ehrmantraut in “Better Call Saul” showcases her ability to navigate the intense and morally complex world of crime dramas. The stark differences in these characters underline Condon’s adaptability and the depth she brings to her performances, solidifying her status as a remarkable actress capable of leaving a lasting impact on diverse audiences.