Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1954-03-02
- Born Place: Galway, Ireland
Olwen Fouéré
Olwen Fouéré is a highly acclaimed Irish actress, writer, and director, born on March 2, 1954, in Galway, Ireland, to Breton parents. Her upbringing, "between two languages" (French at home, English outside), significantly influenced her artistic exploration of language and narrative. Fouéré has had a prolific career spanning over four decades in theatre, film, and visual arts, recognized for her powerful stage presence and ability to inhabit complex, often unconventional characters. The Irish Times listed her as number 22 on their list of Ireland's greatest film actors in 2020.In theatre, Fouéré has performed in over 80 productions worldwide, gracing stages at renowned venues such as Dublin's Abbey Theatre and Gate Theatre, London's Royal National Theatre and West End, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Bouffes du Nord in Paris, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York. A pioneer in avant-garde theatre, she co-founded Operating Theatre in 1980 with composer Roger Doyle, and later established TheEmergencyRoom, an artistic entity for developing her ongoing projects. Her internationally acclaimed solo performance RIVERRUN, an adaptation of the voice of the river from James Joyce's Finnegans Wake, has toured globally and earned numerous awards.On screen, Fouéré has built a diverse filmography, appearing in both independent and major productions. Her notable film roles include This Must Be the Place (2011), The Survivalist (2015), Mandy (2018), Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), Sea Fever (2019), The Northman (2022), Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), and The Watchers (2024). She has also had significant television roles in series like The Crown, Derry Girls, The Tourist, and Holding. Fouéré is known for seeking out challenging roles and her distinct look, which has made her a fascinating and atypical presence in Hollywood. Beyond acting, she has also co-created and directed short films, demonstrating her multifaceted artistic talent.
