Stephen Rea

**Stephen Rea**, born in 1946, is a highly esteemed Irish actor for both stage and screen. His career began as part of Dublin's reputed Focus Theatre, with several roles on stage and on Irish television. His talent was brought to the attention of international audiences through Irish filmmaker Neil Jordan's film *The Crying Game* in 1992. Since then, Rea has starred in numerous other films by the same director, including *Interview with the Vampire* (1994), *Michael Collins* (1996), *Breakfast on Pluto* (2005), and *Greta* (2018). Not limiting himself to film, he also had a significant role in the Hugo Blick TV series *The Shadow Line* in 2011. Rea's prowess isn't confined to the screen, he is renowned for his stage performances at The Gate and Abbey theatres in Dublin, and the Royal Court Theatre in London. Being one of the co-founders of the Field Day Theatre Company alongside Brian Friel, showcases his contribution to the art. His work in film and theatre has earned him an Academy Award nomination for *The Crying Game* (1992), and a BAFTA Award for *The Honourable Woman* in 2015. His immense contribution to Irish Cinema was also recognized by the Irish Times in 2020, ranking him as the 13th greatest Irish film actor of all time.