As I read through this article, I couldn’t help but feel a strong connection to Saoirse-Monica Jackson‘s story. Her journey from humble beginnings in London to becoming a successful actress, both in comedy and drama, is truly inspiring. The way she describes her experiences on set with her co-stars, especially with Mamet and Hale, brings to life the magic of instant chemistry and improvisation.
After Derry Girls, the Channel 4 sitcom-turned-Netflix hit series, concluded in 2022 following a hugely successful three-season run, Saoirse-Monica Jackson found it challenging to completely let go of her character. At just 23 years old when cast as Erin Quinn – the determined, mug-pulling, slightly conceited leader of a group of teenagers in Northern Ireland toward the end of the Troubles.
During a pasta lunch in London’s Shoreditch area in early June, Jackson shared with me how she experienced significant personal growth during her early twenties while leading a popular show. Her life experiences mirrored the show’s storylines, teaching her valuable lessons such as self-advocacy and self-worth. While her real life wasn’t as chaotic as Erin’s portrayal, they both learned essential lessons. Despite the accolades the show received, Jackson grappled with doubts about her role in the industry, leading her to reflect on her early twenties with a sense of unease and confusion. “Looking back, my early twenties feel like one long anxiety attack – a hazy mess of errors,” she admits.
Jackson is small in stature and frequently mistaken for being younger than she actually is. Her welcoming expression is accentuated by her open face, large green eyes set far apart, a short upturned nose, and loose golden curls framing her head. Known for her humor and endearing self-deprecating nature, she puts those around her at ease. When I apologize for speaking with food in my mouth, she dismisses my concern, “I have horrible table manners,” she quips, “feel free to eat however you please.”
According to Jackson, playing Erin Quinn in “Derry Girls” was an uncontestable game-changer for her. Prior to joining the show, she had featured in several episodes of a Sky TV thriller and had acted as Curley’s wife in a traveling production of “Of Mice and Men,” as well as in a West End performance of “The Ferryman” in 2017. However, these roles didn’t offer her a steady income. Instead, she worked outside the industry, managing multiple jobs, conducting market research for vape pens in Manchester, and before auditioning for “Derry Girls,” selling HelloFresh boxes door-to-door. With Erin Quinn’s arrival, everything shifted dramatically for Jackson.
In the wake of “Derry Girls,” Jackson had concerns about being pigeonholed professionally due to her well-known gurning. She feared being cast in overly comedic, slapstick roles that might not showcase her full acting abilities or versatility. Determined to prove herself, she was eager to explore different accents and tackle a substantial British drama with depth and complexity.
In late July, “The Decameron” TV series is set to be released. This program is inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’s 14th-century collection of short stories with the same title. Showrunner Kathleen Jordan, known for her work on “Teenage Bounty Hunters,” a Netflix dramedy about twin teens navigating high school and criminal activities, brings us this soapy, almost absurd black comedy. Unlike any other modern TV series, “The Decameron” portrays the power struggles and survival tactics of nobles and servants in the opulent Italian countryside through flirtation, infidelity, class switching, and backstabbing.
In her portrayal of Misia, a devoted yet unfortunate servant to a harsh and self-centered mistress played by Zosia Mamet, Jackson doesn’t just deliver her distinctive comedic flair and amusing facial expressions for the role. She masterfully conveys the heartache embedded in toxic devotion and yearning for a narcissist’s affection. Misia evolves from what Jackson describes as “the saddest and most pitiful character in the villa” to someone who recognizes and claims her desires. With her exceptional ability to humanize the tragic clown persona, Jackson makes you believe that you’re witnessing the destruction of the world through her tears. When things get tough, Jackson quips, “you’ll either laugh or cry.”
Growing up, Jackson lived between Derry and Greencastle, County Donegal in Ireland. Her family home was filled with aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins who frequently visited. On the other side of the border was her parents’ local inn in Greencastle. In those early 2000s years, she recalls, “The only way to grab adults’ attention was through humor.” She adds with a chuckle, “You can see it as character development or a sign of neglect.” Jackson also reminisces about her final years at Catholic school in similar terms, quipping, “That’s why I developed my sense of humor.”
As a kid, Jackson admired Robin Williams and modeled his acting after him. The way he brought Mrs. Doubtfire to life in the movie’s beginning scenes inspired her to pursue voice acting. Her parents encouraged her dreams wholeheartedly, making her believe she wouldn’t require an alternative path. Her dad, an engineer who later became a small business owner, advised her during her childhood, “If you want to be an actress, dear, do it without regret.”
When Jackson joined the cast of “Derry Girls,” her co-stars felt it was an exceptional production but were uncertain about its prospects. In contrast, Jackson was convinced of its success right away, describing herself as a “wee knowledgeable one.”
Even Jackson wouldn’t have predicted the massive cultural impact Derry Girls would have. Today, her likeness graces a popular mural in her hometown, her character is mentioned in U.K. Parliament debates, and over half of Northern Ireland’s TV viewers tune in each week – making it the most-watched series in the region since 2002.
Working on “Derry Girls” and other shows in the U.K. kept me close to my family, so I found it quite intimidating to be in Rome for seven months filming “The Decameron.” I went through a rigorous interview process to land this role, but I’ve never had any bad experiences before. Still, I get a bit anxious when it comes to ensemble projects. I really hope that my castmates will be playful and make it an enjoyable experience. With comedy, having a positive atmosphere on set is crucial as we need that creative space to bring our best performances.
Jackson didn’t feel let down. The ensemble of “The Decameron,” which included experienced comedians like Jackson and Tony Hale, as well as newer actors, gelled right away. According to Mamet, who portrays Pampinea, a noblewoman seeking to marry the villa’s viscount and settle there with her loyal servant Misia, such fortunate pairings can occur: “Sometimes you just strike it rich and are teamed up with other actors whose chemistry with you is undeniable from the start.” As Mamet attests, working with Saoirse Ronan (who plays Misia) is a privilege due to her unwavering dedication to unearthing genuine emotions: “She invested herself deeply in Misia’s character, something that no one else could manage.”
Mamet and Jackson have an remarkable connection as the witty, self-centered mistress aiming for her own fairytale ending and the humble, devoted servant who, during the turmoil of the plague, discovers the strength to stand up for herself instead of her abuser. “She’s exceptional,” Mamet remarks. “Her gaze alone can leave you speechless.” Jackson and Mamet were inspired to ad-lib, and they could bounce ideas off each other endlessly. As Mamet explains, “We both hail from the same background where we didn’t initially aim to be comedic performers. However, the industry shaped us into that role, leading us down that path. We discovered that comedy and tragedy are deeply interconnected, and performing on the border between these two genres is the most fulfilling experience for an actor.” Hale was chosen to portray one of the villa’s surviving servants, a bumbling yet charming steward named Sirisco. He kept track of Jackson’s catchphrases throughout production: For instance, she would sometimes describe herself as being “up to high doh,” or in a state of jittery excitement. She boasts a sharp sense of humor, Hale adds.
Currently, Jackson resides with her partner Denis Sulta (formerly known as Hector Barbour), whom she met at a party organized by mutual acquaintances. The first time they crossed paths, he was donning a Santa suit during October. Jackson’s thoughts were, “That’s the man for me.” Initially, they explored the possibility of settling in London due to Jackson’s previous residency. However, they eventually chose Liverpool as their new home. Both Jackson and Denis value the advantages of a smaller city where life moves at a more relaxed pace. “We’re at an intriguing stage in our lives where we can’t predict what the upcoming years hold for us — not strange but thrilling,” she explains. Liverpool provides them with a convenient location between their families in Scotland and Ireland. They can often be found at a local arcade, which Jackson describes as catering mainly to children and adolescents. She excels at air hockey there, allowing her to unwind, along with “exercise and a fun night out.” Jackson believes she has her life together when she is wearing lipstick and her handbag is clean, without any stray snacks or debris inside.
She’s deeply in love with television and shared, “I’ve hardly encountered anyone who matches my TV-watching hours.” Her favorite weekend activity is to draw the curtains and marathon shows. Recently, she finished binge-watching “Sharp Objects,” and next on her agenda are “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon.” The latter features her friend Olivia Cooke, whom she met in London when they were budding actors. They’ve lost touch since Jackson moved to Liverpool a few years ago – “Olivia’s been swamped with dragons and whatnot.” Although Jackson has seen “Queen Charlotte” and the initial seasons of “Bridgerton,” she hasn’t caught up with its new season featuring her former “Derry Girls” co-star Nicola Coughlan, but it’s on her watchlist. Despite their hectic schedules, they haven’t connected lately.
I was thrilled when I secured a leading part in a BBC drama earlier this year, a role I had long aspired to land. The production is titled “This City Is Ours,” a gripping family crime epic that also features Sean Bean. In this project, I portray Cheryl Crawford, a Liverpool native and young wife of a drug dealer. My character’s husband is endearing yet frequently foolish, leaving Cheryl feeling isolated. Adopting a Scouse accent for the part is daunting given my unique voice, but it adds an exciting layer to fully embody the character. I had a taste of this when I took on a minor role in “The Flash,” a 2023 superhero blockbuster, where I played an American character.
As a movie enthusiast, I can relate to Jackson’s feelings before starting on the set of “This City Is Ours.” Before stepping foot on the production, I found myself doubting if I had what it takes for a significant acting leap. It’s all part of my creative process, a rollercoaster ride of excitement, anxiety, and relaxation. The anticipation builds up, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it’s time to start over. Maybe we’ll catch up in a few years, and I’ll be carefree like they say 30 is. I can’t wait for that stage of life, not giving a damn, but it hasn’t kicked in yet. When does that magical moment arrive? I’m eager to find out.
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2024-07-22 20:08