Irish actor Paul Mescal was nominated for an Academy Award for the 2022 drama Aftersun. He is also known for his role in the series Normal People. Mescal played Gaelic football when he was young but after several injuries, he focused on acting. He started in theater before moving to movies and TV. Mescal will play Lucius Verus in Gladiator II, released on November 22, 2024.
Quick Facts About Paul Mescal
| Full Name | Paul Colm Michael Mescal |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Maynooth, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Actor, Musician |
| Notable Roles | Normal People, Aftersun, Gladiator II |
| Education | The Lir Academy, Trinity College Dublin |
| Previous Relationship | Phoebe Bridgers |
| Current Relationship | Gracie Abrams (rumored) |
| Awards | Olivier Award for Best Actor |
| Mental Health | Open about mild depression |
| Hobbies | Gaelic football, music |
Paul’s Family and Early Years
Paul Colm Michael Mescal was born on February 2, 1996, in Maynooth, Ireland. Paul last name pronounced “meh-skull,” often gets mistaken for the drink mezcal.
His mother, Dearbhla, worked in Ireland’s national police service, An Garda Síochána, for over 30 years and retired in 2023. His father Paul Sr., is a teacher and also an actor in Kildare, where Maynooth is located. Paul is the oldest of three siblings. He has a brother, Donnacha, and a sister, Nell, who is a musician.
Paul attended Maynooth Post Primary School and described his childhood as “normal.” He did well in school and avoided trouble, which he admits made things harder for his younger siblings.
He excelled in Gaelic football and represented Kildare at the minor and U-21 levels. The sport, however, led to injuries. He broke his nose at 16 in a fight during a game, and later broke his jaw before starting his final year of drama school. That injury made him decide to quit football for good.
Movies and TV Shows
Paul Mescal started acting on stage. At 16, he played the main character in a school play of The Phantom of the Opera. He felt a mix of fear and excitement during the performance. This feeling made him want to act more. He applied to The Lir Academy, a well-known drama school at Trinity College Dublin, and got accepted.
Before graduating in 2017, Mescal got an agent. He was cast as the lead in a production of The Great Gatsby at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. He has also acted in:
- The Red Shoes (2017)
- The Plough and the Stars (2018)
- A Streetcar Named Desire (2023)
In A Streetcar Named Desire, he played Stanley Kowalski in London. For this role, he won an Olivier Award for Best Actor. Although he did well on stage, Mescal’s big break came in a popular British TV drama.
Dating and Personal Life
Paul Mescal is rumored to be dating singer, Gracie Abrams. They have not confirmed their relationship. The couple was seen together in London in August 2024. A source told People that their relationship is still new.
Before Gracie, Mescal dated musician Phoebe Bridgers for over two years. He was in her 2020 music video for “Savior Complex.” He also appeared in the Rolling Stones’ music video for “Scarlet” that year.
In February 2023, Mescal told Vanity Fair that he wanted to keep his love life private. He said sharing details does not help him. It might feel good at first but soon becomes gossip.
Mescal moved to London in 2020 and now lives there. In March 2023, he told The Irish Times he had mild depression. His role in Normal People inspired him to get help. He realized he needed to care for himself because he related to his character, Connell.
FAQs
What movies and TV shows has Paul Mescal appeared in?
Paul Mescal movies and TV shows include “Normal People” and “The Lost Daughter.”
Who is Paul Mescal?
Paul Mescal is an Irish actor known for his roles in film and television.
What is Paul Mescal’s age?
Paul Mescal age is 28; he was born on February 2, 1996.
Did Denzel Washington star in “Phantom of the Opera”?
Denzel Washington Phantom of the Opera is not a role he has played; he was not in it.