Pauline McLynn

Pauline McLynn, born on 11th July 1962, is an Irish character actress and well-recognized author. Most known for her roles as Mrs. Doyle in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted, Libby Croker in the comedy drama Shameless, Tip Haddem in Jam & Jerusalem, and Yvonne Cotton in EastEnders. McLynn was born and raised in Sligo, grew up with two younger brothers in Galway. She studied History of Art and Modern English at Trinity College, Dublin, and was heavily involved in the college's drama society. Despite being in her early thirties when playing Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, makeup was used to make her look older. She was awarded British Comedy Award in 1996 for her outstanding performances, which was presented by Tony Blair. Her appearances on television included a role in youth sci-fi series Life Force, sketches on Bremner, Bird and Fortune, and panel shows Just a Minute, Have I Got News for You, If I Ruled the World. Notably, she received an Irish Film and Television Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in the 2005 film Gypo. McLynn stared in Samuel Beckett's Happy Days at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in 2011 and played Mary Whyte in the BBC's 2013 sitcom Father Figure. She joined the cast of EastEnders as Yvonne Cotton in 2014. Off-screen, McLynn is a patron of the children's charity World Vision Ireland, the president of Friends of Innisfree Housing Association, and actively involved in charities against the racing and export of greyhounds.