Chris O'Dowd

Chris O'Dowd is an Irish actor and comedian recognized for his work across television, film, and theatre. O'Dowd initially pursued journalism at University College Dublin before realizing his passion for acting. He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, starting his journey to becoming a versatile actor known for blending humor and heart in his roles.

His breakout role came in 2006 as Roy Trenneman in the British sitcom "The IT Crowd," which aired from 2006 to 2010. His comedic timing and persona led to opportunities in notable film projects like "Gulliver's Travels," "Bridesmaids," "Friends with Kids," "Cuban Fury," "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," and "The Cloverfield Paradox." These roles allowed O'Dowd to demonstrate his comedic and dramatic abilities across various genres.

Continuing his success on television, he created and starred in the Sky 1 television series "Moone Boy," which aired from 2012 to 2015 and earned him Irish Film and Television Award nominations in acting, writing, and directing. His work on "Moone Boy" also earned him international recognition, winning the International Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series in 2013. He appeared as Miles Daly in the Epix comedy series "Get Shorty" since 2017, and his performance in the British comedy TV series "State of the Union" earned him a Primetime Emmy Award.

O'Dowd also ventured into theater, making his Broadway debut in "Of Mice and Men" in 2014. His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actor in a Play. Beyond acting, O'Dowd has been recognized for his work as an audiobook narrator. In 2022, he played Philip in the Netflix film "Slumberland" and currently stars in "The Big Door Prize," which began airing in 2023. Additionally, he's currently filming "Small Town, Big Story," serving as the creator, writer, producer, and director.

Over the years, his performances have earned him multiple awards. Among them, a Scottish BAFTA award for Best Actor in a Scottish Film for "Festival," an AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for "The Sapphires," and the IFTA Award for Best Entertainment Programme for "Moone Boy" in 2013–2014. In 2020, he was listed as #39 on The Irish Times list of Ireland's greatest film actors.