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 1970) is a talented actress from Belfast, Northern Ireland. She has appeared in many movies and TV shows. Some of her well-known films include Rocky Balboa and Gran Torino. She also played Mary Todd Lincoln in the movie Killing Lincoln. Geraldine has even written and performed her own play called Belfast Blues.

Growing Up in Belfast

Geraldine Hughes grew up in a place called the Divis Flats in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This was during a difficult time known as The Troubles. The Troubles were a period of conflict and violence in Northern Ireland. 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 only acted in her school's drama club.

Her Education Journey

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

Geraldine earned a Bachelor's degree from UCLA's School of Theater, Film and TV. In 2009, Queen's University Belfast gave her an honorary doctorate. This was to recognize her important contributions to acting and performing arts.

Acting Career Highlights

Geraldine Hughes was only 14 years old when she got her first acting job. American TV producers auditioned hundreds of children in Ireland for a film. Geraldine was one of only three children chosen for the movie Children of the Crossfire in 1984.

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

One of Geraldine's most famous roles came after a theater show. A casting director saw her perform and asked her to audition for the part of Marie in Rocky Balboa. She got the role and is widely known for it. Geraldine continues to work in movies, TV, and theater today.

Personal Life and Belfast Blues

Geraldine Hughes comes from a working-class family in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She grew up in a Catholic home during The Troubles. This meant she experienced life in a difficult and sometimes dangerous environment.

Her play, Belfast Blues, tells her real-life story and experiences from growing up in Belfast. As a child, Geraldine never talked about the hard things she saw. Her performances of this play are dedicated "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. Her family is very important to her, and she often visits Belfast.

Geraldine was married to Ian Harrington, an American from Pennsylvania. He was the first person to encourage her to share her powerful story.

Movies, TV Shows, and Stage Plays

Movies

TV Shows

Stage Plays

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 the Distinguished Performance from the Drama League Award for her solo play, Belfast Blues.