Maria Doyle Kennedy

Maria Josephine Doyle Kennedy, born 25 September 1964, is an accomplished Irish singer and actress. With a singing and acting career that has spanned over 30 years, she has established herself as one of Ireland's most prolific artists and entertainers. As an actress, she is best known for her extensive television roles as Patsy in Father Ted, Catherine of Aragon in The Tudors, Vera Bates in Downton Abbey, Siobhán Sadler in Orphan Black, and most recently as Jocasta Cameron in Outlander. She was also starred as the Scottish journalist Tannie Maria in the series Recipes for Love and Murder. Her wide-ranging filmography includes roles in notable films such as The Commitments, The Matchmaker, The General, Miss Julie, Tara Road, and Albert Nobbs. In 2020, she was listed as number 46 on The Irish Times list of Ireland's greatest film actors. As a singer, Doyle Kennedy has released numerous albums, both as a solo artist and as part of The Black Velvet Band. She also produced a documentary on the life and work of Irish artist Patrick Scott, and has had broadcasting roles on Irish television.