By Our Correspondent
Irish actress Jessie Buckley has revealed that her love for acting helped her overcome an eating disorder and depression during her teenage years, describing performing as something as essential to her as “water.”
The 36-year-old star said immersing herself in theatre and music became a lifeline that helped her rebuild confidence and regain control of her mental health while pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
Buckley, who was born in Killarney, has recently gained global recognition for portraying Agnes Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, in the film Hamnet.
Her performance has earned her several major awards and positioned her as a strong contender for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Speaking during an appearance on the Desert Island Discs, Buckley explained that discovering acting gave her a sense of purpose at a time when she struggled emotionally.
“I didn’t know how to be alive the way I wanted to be,” she said, reflecting on her teenage years. “But I’ve been able to transform those vulnerabilities into something meaningful.”
The actress admitted that even after moving to London, her recovery was still ongoing.
However, she realised that continuing her creative journey in music and theatre mattered more than the struggles she faced.
Buckley first came to public attention in 2008 when she appeared on the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything, which searched for an actress to play Nancy in a West End production of Oliver!.
She finished second behind Jodie Prenger, but the exposure helped launch her acting career.
Despite the opportunity, Buckley later faced criticism about her appearance during the early stages of her career, something she now believes young performers should not have to endure while discovering their identity.
In the interview, Buckley also spoke emotionally about her mother, Marina, praising her strength and independence.
One of the tracks she selected on the programme was a recording of her mother singing the Christmas hymn O Holy Night in church — a choice that highlighted the deep influence of family on her life.
Today, Buckley says acting remains central to her wellbeing.
Each performance, she explained, reminds her why she chose the profession and how creativity helped transform a difficult chapter of her life into a story of resilience and success.
