Geraldine Hughes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Geraldine Hughes
Hughes in 2013
Born	1970 (age 54–55) Belfast, Northern Ireland
Education	University of California, Los Angeles
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1984–present
Height	5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)

Geraldine Hughes, born in 1970, is a talented actress from Belfast, Northern Ireland. She has starred in many popular films, including Rocky Balboa and Gran Torino. She also played an important historical figure, Mary Todd Lincoln, in the movie Killing Lincoln. More recently, Geraldine wrote and performed her own play called Belfast Blues, which tells her personal story.

Growing Up in Belfast

Geraldine Hughes grew up in Divis Flats in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This was during a difficult period known as The Troubles, when there was a lot of conflict. To help her cope with these tough times, Geraldine joined her school's drama club. She loved school because it made her feel safe and gave her a sense of order. It was a place where she could escape from the problems outside.

When she was chosen for a role in the film Children in the Crossfire, Geraldine spent her first summer in the United States. Before this movie, she had no acting experience beyond her school's drama club.

Geraldine's Education

In Belfast, Geraldine attended St. Louise's Comprehensive College in the 1980s. Later, she moved to the United States to study at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She received a special scholarship from people she had worked with on the film Children in the Crossfire. They paid for her tuition, and she covered her own living costs.

Geraldine earned a Bachelor's degree from UCLA's School of Theater, Film and TV. In 2009, Queen's University Belfast honored her with a special doctorate degree. This was to recognize her amazing contributions to the performing arts.

Her Acting Journey

When Geraldine Hughes was just 14 years old, American TV producers were looking for child actors in Ireland. They auditioned hundreds of children, and Geraldine was one of only three chosen for their film. This was her first movie, Children of the Crossfire, released in 1984.

Later, when she first moved to Los Angeles, Geraldine worked part-time as a nanny. She looked after the children of famous actors Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman.

Geraldine Hughes in New York City in March 2009

After performing in a play, a casting director saw her talent. They asked her to audition for the role of Marie in Rocky Balboa. This role is one of her most well-known performances. Geraldine has continued to work in theater, film, and television throughout her career.

Her Life and Family

Geraldine Hughes comes from a working-class family in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She grew up in a Catholic household. Because she lived during The Troubles, she experienced what it was like to live in a conflict zone.

Her play, Belfast Blues, shares her real-life experiences from growing up in Belfast. As a child, Geraldine never talked about the difficult things she saw. She dedicates her performances of this play "to all the children who live in places of conflict."

Geraldine left Belfast when she was 18. She lived in Los Angeles for 16 years before moving to New York City. Family is very important to Geraldine, and she often returns to Belfast to visit them.

Geraldine was married to Ian Harrington, an American from Pennsylvania. He encouraged her to share her powerful story with the world.

Films and TV Shows

Geraldine Hughes has appeared in many films and television shows.

Film Roles

Television Roles

Theater Performances

Awards and Recognition

Geraldine Hughes has received several awards for her acting. In 2003, she won the Los Angeles Ovation Award. The next year, in 2004, she received the Garland and Drama Critics Circle Awards. Also in 2004, she was nominated for a Distinguished Performance award from the Drama League Award for her solo play, Belfast Blues.