Agnes O’Casey, born Agnes Eustacia Kenig in 1995 or 1996 in Finsbury Park, London, grew up in a family where culture and heritage intertwined. She is the eldest of three daughters and comes from a richly diverse background: Irish through her mother’s side and Lithuanian-Jewish on her father’s side. Perhaps most notably, she is the great-granddaughter of the renowned Irish playwright Seán O’Casey. This literary lineage has given her a unique sense of identity and an innate connection to storytelling and theatre.
When she was eleven, her family moved to Newton Abbot in Devon. She attended a Steiner school, where creativity and independent thinking were central. Her passion for literature and the arts led her to begin studies in art history and English literature at the University of Edinburgh. However, she realised that her true calling lay in acting. She left university and trained at The Lir Academy in Dublin, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting in 2020. Agnes has also spoken candidly about living with dyslexia, a challenge she embraces as part of her journey, shaping the way she approaches her craft.
Taking on a Name of Significance
Although born with the surname Kenig, Agnes chose to use O’Casey as her professional name. This decision honours the legacy of her great-grandfather Seán O’Casey and keeps his name alive for future generations. Rather than relying on the name for recognition, she views it as a way to celebrate her roots and carry forward a family tradition of artistry and storytelling.
Training and Early Influences
Agnes’s passion for performance was sparked at an early age. Visits to the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and exposure to her great-grandfather’s plays left a lasting impression. From these experiences grew a determination to pursue acting seriously. Her training at The Lir Academy gave her the technical skills and discipline needed to thrive in a competitive industry. She often speaks of the intensive yet supportive environment that helped her develop both craft and confidence. It was here that she learned not only the mechanics of acting but also the importance of emotional truth and resilience.
Breakthrough Role in Ridley Road
Agnes O’Casey’s career took a significant leap in 2021 when she landed her first major screen role as Vivien Epstein in the BBC drama Ridley Road. Set in 1960s London, the story follows Vivien, a young Jewish woman who infiltrates a neo-fascist group to help the anti-fascist resistance. The role demanded emotional depth and bravery, as it explored themes of love, identity, and political activism. For Agnes, this character was a chance to connect with her own Jewish heritage and to embody the courage of those who stood up to hatred. Her powerful and nuanced performance earned widespread praise and established her as a compelling new talent.
Film Work and Variety of Roles
Following the success of Ridley Road, Agnes has built a diverse and impressive filmography. In 2022, she appeared in the series Dangerous Liaisons, showcasing her ability to adapt to period drama and intricate storytelling. In 2023, she starred in The Miracle Club, sharing the screen with acclaimed actors such as Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates, and Laura Linney. This heart-warming film about friendship and faith highlighted her capacity to bring sincerity and depth to every role.
That same year, Agnes took on one of her most demanding performances to date in the psychological thriller Lies We Tell. Portraying Maud Ruthyn, an orphaned heiress entangled in family secrets and dark undercurrents, she captivated audiences with her intensity and emotional complexity. Her portrayal won her the prestigious Best Lead Actress – Film award at the 2024 Irish Film & Television Awards, firmly establishing her as one of the most exciting emerging talents in contemporary cinema.
Her career continues to flourish with appearances in Small Things Like These and major projects such as Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light and Black Doves in 2024. These roles demonstrate her versatility and willingness to explore both historical narratives and modern dramas.
Stage and Live Performance
Despite her growing success on screen, Agnes remains deeply connected to theatre. In 2021, she played Lily in The Seagull with the Druid Theatre Company, a demanding role that required subtle emotional expression. In 2024, she made her British stage debut in The Spy Who Came In From The Cold at Chichester Festival Theatre, playing Liz Gold. The production, set to transfer to the West End, has further confirmed her as an actor equally comfortable with the immediacy of live performance and the precision of film.
Achievements and Recognition
Agnes O’Casey’s talent has been recognised by both critics and her peers. In addition to her IFTA award for Lies We Tell, she was named one of Screen International’s “Stars of Tomorrow” in 2024, a title that highlights the most promising new actors in film and television. These accolades, achieved so early in her career, speak to her exceptional skill, work ethic, and the respect she has earned across the industry.
Style, Themes and Approach to Acting
Agnes is drawn to characters that explore identity, hidden histories, and psychological complexity. She avoids being typecast, selecting roles that challenge her and invite introspection. Her work often deals with issues of injustice, moral conflict, and personal discovery. Whether portraying a woman infiltrating a dangerous political movement or an heiress facing dark family secrets, she brings a rare combination of vulnerability and strength.
Her approach to acting is grounded in empathy and authenticity. She delves into the emotional lives of her characters, informed by her own experiences and heritage. This commitment to truth in performance makes her portrayals resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Personal Challenges and Growth
Agnes’s journey has not been without obstacles. Graduating into the industry during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic meant facing a world of cancelled showcases and delayed productions. Yet she persevered, demonstrating resilience and determination. Her openness about living with dyslexia has also inspired others, showing that personal challenges can become sources of strength and creativity.
Public Persona and Values
Off screen, Agnes O’Casey is known for her grounded and thoughtful nature. She values honesty and empathy, seeing acting as a way to connect with others and tell stories that matter. Her heritage, personal challenges, and experiences give her a multifaceted perspective, allowing her to bring depth and authenticity to every role.
Why Her Career Resonates Today
Agnes’s work speaks to contemporary audiences not only because of her talent but because of the relevance of the stories she chooses. Ridley Road tackled the rise of fascism and antisemitism, themes that remain important in today’s world. Her characters often embody courage, resilience, and the search for truth—qualities that resonate deeply with modern viewers.
Her blend of classical training, natural charisma, and thoughtful role selection ensures that she stands out in a competitive industry. Casting directors and filmmakers are drawn to her ability to bring both gravitas and freshness to the screen.
What Lies Ahead
Looking forward, Agnes O’Casey’s future is bright. Upcoming projects such as Longbourn, a cinematic re-telling of Pride and Prejudice from the servants’ viewpoint, promise to showcase her versatility once more. As her career continues to evolve, she is likely to take on more leading roles in film and theatre, expanding her influence and inspiring audiences around the world.
Lessons from Agnes O’Casey’s Journey
Her career offers valuable insights for aspiring actors. She demonstrates the importance of embracing one’s heritage while forging an independent identity. Her dedication to training and careful choice of roles shows how deliberate decisions can shape a meaningful career. She proves that vulnerability and authenticity are strengths, and that resilience in the face of adversity can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Conclusion
Agnes O’Casey embodies the qualities of a modern actor who is both artistically gifted and emotionally intelligent. Her heritage gives her a unique connection to storytelling, while her performances reveal depth, courage, and a keen understanding of human complexity. With each role, she continues to carve out a place for herself as a powerful voice in film and theatre. Her journey so far suggests that her influence will only grow, making her one of the most captivating talents of her generation.
