Ciaran Ruaridh McDonald is an Irish actor best known for his roles in films such as The Commitments (1991) and The Butcher Boy (1997). Born in Dublin, Ireland on October 4th, 1971, McDonald began performing at an early age, appearing on stage in a number of local productions. He attended the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin before breaking into television in the late 1980s.
McDonald's first screen role was in the BBC television series, The Play on One, where he played the lead. This was followed by a number of supporting roles in films such as Angela's Ashes (1999), A Love Divided (1999) and The Courier (2000). He was also cast in the Irish drama series, Ballykissangel, playing the character of Father MacDonagh.
In 1999, McDonald made his feature film debut in the critically acclaimed drama, The Butcher Boy. His performance as Francie Brady earned him an IFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor. He went on to star in a number of other films including Drowning By Numbers (1998), The General (1998) and Breakfast On Pluto (2005).
In addition to his work in film and television, McDonald has also appeared on stage in a number of plays. He has appeared in productions of The Plough and the Stars and The Weir at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, as well as in productions at the Gate Theatre. He also appeared as the lead in the Irish premiere of the musical, Martin Guerre.
McDonald returned to television in 2009, joining the cast of the Irish drama series, Raw. He also appeared in the series, Single-Handed (2009) and in the British crime drama, The Runaway (2011).
In recent years, McDonald has returned to the stage, appearing in productions of The Weir, By the Bog of Cats, and The Seafarer. He also appeared in the Irish production of the musical, Once.
McDonald continues to work in both film and television, and is currently one of the stars of the popular Irish drama, Fair City. He is also set to appear in the upcoming Irish horror film, The Hole in the Ground.
Ciaran Ruaridh McDonald is a talented and versatile actor who has had a long and successful career in both film and television. His performances have made him a beloved figure in the Irish entertainment industry, and he is sure to continue making a lasting impression on audiences for many years to
