Pauline McLynn facts for kids

Pauline McLynn is a famous Irish actress and author. She was born on 11 July 1962. Many people know her from her roles in popular TV shows. She played Mrs. Doyle in Father Ted, Libby Croker in Shameless, and Yvonne Cotton in EastEnders. She also appeared as Tip Haddem in Jam & Jerusalem.

Early Life and Education

Pauline McLynn was born in Sligo, Ireland. She grew up in Galway with her two younger brothers. For her studies, she went to Trinity College, Dublin. There, she learned about History of Art and Modern English. She was very active in the college's drama club. She earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree.

Acting Career Highlights

Pauline McLynn started her acting career in 1988. She became very well-known for playing Mrs. Doyle in the comedy show Father Ted. Even though Pauline was in her early thirties, makeup made her look much older for the role. Her performance was so good that she won a British Comedy Award in 1996. A famous person, Tony Blair, gave her the award.

Famous TV Shows and Films

After Father Ted, Pauline appeared in many other TV shows. She was in sketches on Bremner, Bird and Fortune. She also joined panel shows like Just a Minute and Have I Got News for You. In 1999, she acted in the movie Angela's Ashes. She also worked with Jennifer Saunders in the comedy Jam & Jerusalem.

From 2010 to 2011, Pauline McLynn played Libby Croker in the show Shameless. In 2014, she joined the cast of the popular soap opera EastEnders. She played Yvonne Cotton, who was the mother of Charlie Cotton. Her character became a regular on the show. She returned for one episode in 2015 to give evidence in a court case.

Pauline has also appeared in several films. She was in Gypo in 2005. Her acting in this film earned her a nomination for an Irish Film and Television Award. In 2018, she played Mrs. Trattner in the movie Johnny English Strikes Again. In 2021, she appeared in the film Last Night in Soho and the Doctor Who New Year's special "Eve of the Daleks".

Recent Work

More recently, Pauline McLynn has continued to act in various projects. In 2020, she was part of the BBC series Pilgrimage: Road to Istanbul. This show followed celebrities on a journey. She also lent her voice to Riverdance: The Animated Adventure. In 2021, she appeared in an episode of Inside No. 9. Since 2018, she has been a regular panelist on the RTÉ Radio show "Sure 'Twas Better".

Personal Life and Interests

Pauline McLynn is married to Richard Cook, who is a theatrical agent. She cares a lot about helping others. She is a patron for several charities. These include World Vision Ireland, which helps children. She is also the president of Friends of Innisfree Housing Association.

Pauline is very passionate about animal welfare. She is a patron for Littlehill Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Ireland. She also supports Birmingham Greyhound Protection. She is involved with many charities that work against the racing and export of greyhounds. She is a patron of Greyhound Protection UK.

Pauline is a big fan of football. Her favorite team is Aston Villa in the Premier League. She remembers a great moment in 1996 when she watched Aston Villa beat Leeds United in a cup final. She watched this game with her Father Ted co-star, Ardal O'Hanlon, who supports Leeds.

Awards and Recognitions

Pauline McLynn has received awards for her acting.

• In 1996, she won a British Comedy Award for Top TV Comedy Actress for her role in Father Ted.
• In 2006, she received a Special Mention at the Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival for her work in Gypo.
• In 2007, she was nominated for an Irish Film and Television Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role in a Feature Film for Gypo.