The Normal People cast is headlined by Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan. This critically acclaimed ensemble brought Sally Rooney’s best-selling novel to life, featuring standout supporting performances from Sarah Greene as Lorraine, Éanna Hardwicke as Rob, and Fionn O’Shea as Jamie. Since the show’s premiere, the cast has ascended to global stardom, with the lead duo becoming two of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood as of 2026.
In this comprehensive guide, you will explore the full list of actors and their roles, gain insight into their career trajectories following the show’s massive success, and find practical information about the production. Whether you are a fan of the original book or a newcomer to the 12-episode limited series, this deep dive provides everything you need to know about the faces behind the iconic characters of Sligo and Trinity College.
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan
Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a transformative performance as Marianne Sheridan, moving from a lonely, defensive schoolgirl to a sophisticated yet vulnerable university student. Her portrayal earned her nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, cementing her status as a leading dramatic actress.
Following her breakout, Edgar-Jones starred in major projects like Where the Crawdads Sing and the 2024 blockbuster Twisters. By early 2026, she is preparing for the highly anticipated release of the new Sense and Sensibility adaptation, where she stars as Elinor Dashwood.
Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron
Paul Mescal’s portrayal of the sensitive, athletic, and socially anxious Connell Waldron is widely considered one of the greatest television debuts of the decade. He won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor, famously bringing a quiet intensity and realistic portrayal of mental health struggles to the screen.
Since Normal People, Mescal’s career has skyrocketed with an Academy Award nomination for Aftersun and a leading role in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. In February 2026, he continued to dominate awards season with his performance as William Shakespeare in the film Hamnet.
Supporting Cast and Recurring Characters
The secondary characters in Normal People provide the essential social fabric that shapes Marianne and Connell’s evolving relationship. These actors were praised for their authentic Irish performances, particularly in the contrast between the small-town life of Sligo and the elite circles of Dublin.
Sarah Greene as Lorraine Waldron
Sarah Greene plays Lorraine, Connell’s supportive single mother who works as a cleaner for Marianne’s family. Her character serves as a moral compass for the series, often offering the emotional clarity that the younger leads lack.
Fionn O’Shea as Jamie
Fionn O’Shea portrays Jamie, an arrogant and wealthy student at Trinity College who becomes a romantic rival to Connell. O’Shea’s performance perfectly captures the class-based friction and toxic dynamics present in Marianne’s university social circle.
Éanna Hardwicke as Rob Hegarty
Éanna Hardwicke plays Rob, one of Connell’s closest friends from high school in Sligo. His character’s tragic arc highlights the themes of rural isolation and the difficulty of maintaining old friendships while moving into adulthood.
Key Supporting Cast Members List
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
| Aislín McGuckin | Denise Sheridan | Marianne’s cold and distant mother. |
| Frank Blake | Alan Sheridan | Marianne’s abusive older brother. |
| Eliot Salt | Joanna | Marianne’s loyal and grounded friend at Trinity. |
| India Mullen | Peggy | A wealthy, flighty member of the Dublin social set. |
| Desmond Eastwood | Niall | Connell’s friendly and encouraging college flatmate. |
| Aoife Hinds | Helen Brophy | Connell’s kind and stable university girlfriend. |
Casting and Production Insights
The casting process for Normal People was rigorous, as director Lenny Abrahamson searched for a pair with undeniable “chemistry.” Daisy Edgar-Jones was cast relatively late in the process, and her first chemistry read with Paul Mescal reportedly convinced the producers immediately.
Filming took place primarily in County Sligo and Dublin, Ireland, with additional sequences filmed in Italy and Sweden. The production team focused on a “naturalistic” aesthetic, using intimate camera work to mimic the internal monologue style of the original novel.
Main Cast Overview
The core of the Normal People cast revolves around two leads whose chemistry defined the series. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, both relative newcomers in 2020, delivered performances so nuanced they launched international careers. Their portrayals of Marianne and Connell spanned years, showing vulnerability, desire, and miscommunication with heartbreaking precision.
Supporting actors like Sarah Greene as Lorraine added emotional grounding, playing Connell’s wise single mother who cleans Marianne’s wealthy family. The ensemble from County Sligo to Trinity College Dublin felt lived-in, with Irish talent dominating to honor the novel’s setting. Production filmed over nine months in 2019, capturing Ireland’s moody landscapes that mirrored the characters’ inner turmoil.
This tight-knit group rehearsed extensively in Dublin, building trust that translated on screen. Director Lenny Abrahamson emphasized naturalism, banning scripts during intimate scenes to foster real awkwardness. The result? A cast that not only acted but inhabited their roles, earning the series a perfect 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan
Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Marianne Sheridan, the sharp-witted, aloof daughter of a wealthy but dysfunctional family in small-town Sligo. Intelligent yet socially isolated, Marianne navigates bullying at school, abusive dynamics at home, and a secret romance with popular Connell. Her journey to Trinity College reveals growth amid toxic friendships and self-discovery.
Born in 1998 in London to an Irish mother and English father, Edgar-Jones trained at the National Youth Theatre. Before Normal People, she appeared in British shows like Cold Feet (2016-2020) as Olivia, Gentleman Jack (2019), and Silent Witness. At 21, she beat out hundreds for Marianne after a chemistry read with Mescal sealed the deal.
Post-Normal People, Edgar-Jones starred in Fresh (2022), a horror-thriller with Sebastian Stan, and Under the Banner of Heaven (2022) opposite Andrew Garfield. She led Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) as Kya, earning a reported $2 million salary. Recent roles include Babygirl (2024) with Nicole Kidman and Twisters (2024), cementing her as a Hollywood A-lister.
Marianne’s Character Arc
Marianne evolves from a guarded teen enduring her brother’s cruelty and mother’s emotional neglect to a confident woman confronting past traumas. Edgar-Jones drew from Rooney’s prose for Marianne’s quiet intensity, studying real-life dynamics of class and gender in Ireland. Key scenes, like her first intimate moment with Connell, showcase vulnerability without overacting.
The role demanded physical transformation; Edgar-Jones lost weight to reflect Marianne’s stressed eating habits and adopted a subtle Sligo accent. She spent weeks researching BDSM elements in later episodes, ensuring sensitivity. Fans loved her unibrow choice, a deliberate nod to Rooney’s description of Marianne’s unconventional beauty.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
During filming in Enniskillen and Dublin, Edgar-Jones bonded with Mescal over shared nerves. They improvised banter to build rapport, making on-screen tension feel organic. In interviews, she revealed crying after the final scene, mourning the end of such an intense shoot. Edgar-Jones advocates for intimacy coordinators, praising the show’s progressive approach.
Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron
Paul Mescal embodies Connell Waldron, the handsome GAA star from a working-class background whose anxiety clashes with his cool exterior. Torn between social status and genuine feelings for Marianne, Connell’s arc explores masculinity, mental health, and ambition from school football fields to Dublin therapy sessions.
Irish-born in 1996 near Maynooth, Mescal studied at The Lir Academy in Dublin. A former inter-county footballer, he transitioned from stage work like The Great Gatsby (2018) to TV. Normal People was his screen debut, chosen after open casting calls drew 500 hopefuls.
Mescal’s post-Normal People rise exploded with an Oscar nomination for Aftersun (2022), BAFTAs for Normal People, and Emmys buzz. He starred in The Lost Daughter (2021) with Olivia Colman, God’s Creatures (2022), and All of Us Strangers (2023). Upcoming: Gladiator II (2024) as Lucius opposite Denzel Washington, with a $10 million+ payday.
Connell’s Emotional Depth
Connell hides insecurities behind silence, a trait Mescal amplified with physicality—slouched shoulders, averted eyes. He consulted therapists for depression scenes, wearing his real-life anxiety into the role. Gaelic football training kept him authentic; he played in Sligo matches between takes.
The swim team humiliation episode highlights Connell’s vulnerability, with Mescal’s raw sobs earning praise. He pushed for unfiltered male nudity to challenge norms, sparking global conversations on body positivity. Mescal credits the role with teaching him emotional literacy.
Rise to Stardom
Mescal’s chain necklace from the show became a TikTok trend, selling replicas for $50 each. He turned down Marvel roles early to focus on indie films, valuing depth over blockbusters. Dating actress Phoebe Bridgers since 2020, he balances fame with advocacy for men’s mental health charities in Ireland.
Sarah Greene as Lorraine Waldron
Sarah Greene portrays Lorraine Waldron, Connell’s grounded mother and Marianne’s unlikely confidante. Working as the Sheridans’ cleaner, she offers tough love while hiding her own sacrifices raising Connell alone after his father left.
Veteran Irish actress Greene, born 1984 in Dublin, trained at GAIT. Known for Dublin Murders (2019) as Cassie, Penny Dreadful (2014-2016), and Ransom (2017-2019), she brought warmth to Lorraine. Stage credits include The Lieutenant of Inishmore on Broadway.
Greene’s film work includes Noble (2014), and TV hits like Love Crime. Post-Normal People, she starred in The Capture (2022) and Harry Wild (2022-). At 35 during filming, her maternal energy grounded the teen drama.
Lorraine mediates class tensions, defending Marianne against her employers. Greene researched working-class Irish moms, incorporating slang from her own upbringing. Her scenes with Mescal felt familial; they shared family meals off-set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the breakout star of the Normal People cast?
While both leads became stars, Paul Mescal is often cited as the primary breakout due to his rapid ascent to Oscar-nominated films and lead roles in massive productions like Gladiator II.
What happened to the actor who played Alan Sheridan?
Frank Blake, who played Marianne’s brother Alan, has continued to work steadily in high-profile dramas, including roles in The Sandman and The Last Kingdom.
Are any cast members from Normal People in Conversations with Friends?
No, the two Sally Rooney adaptations used entirely different casts to maintain the distinct identity of each story, though both were directed by Lenny Abrahamson.
Who plays the character of Peggy?
India Mullen plays Peggy, Marianne’s wealthy and provocative college friend. Mullen has since appeared in the series The Peripheral and The Holiday.
Did the cast win any awards for their performances?
Yes, Paul Mescal won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor, while Daisy Edgar-Jones received nominations for a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Critics’ Choice Award.
Who is the actress that plays Connell’s girlfriend, Helen?
Aoife Hinds portrays Helen Brophy. Aside from Normal People, she is well-known for her roles in Derry Girls and the film Hellraiser.
What is Daisy Edgar-Jones’ most recent role in 2026?
As of 2026, Daisy Edgar-Jones is receiving critical acclaim for her lead role in the latest Jane Austen cinematic adaptation, following her success in the 2024 hit Twisters.
Is the villa from the Italy episode real?
Yes, the villa is called Il Casale di Tenuta di Verzano, located near Rome. It has become a popular “set-jetting” destination for fans of the show.
How did the cast handle the intimacy scenes?
The cast worked closely with intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien. This was a pioneering move that ensured all actors felt safe and empowered during the show’s many sensitive scenes.
Who plays Niall, Connell’s roommate?
Desmond Eastwood plays Niall. He has since become a familiar face in Irish television, appearing in projects like Blue Lights and Derry Girls.
Final Thoughts
The Normal People cast achieved something rare in modern television: a visceral, universal connection that transcended its Irish setting. By grounding Sally Rooney’s internal prose in raw, physical performances, Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones didn’t just play characters; they defined a generation’s understanding of intimacy and growth. Their chemistry remains the gold standard for romantic dramas, sparking a “Normal People effect” that continues to influence casting and cinematography in 2026.
As these actors move into the next phases of their careers—from blockbuster franchise leads to acclaimed stage performers—the foundation of their success remains rooted in the authenticity they brought to Sligo and Dublin. The ensemble cast, including the steadying presence of Sarah Greene and the sharp antagonism of Fionn O’Shea, created a world that felt lived-in and heartbreakingly real. For viewers, the cast of Normal People remains a definitive snapshot of the beauty and pain of becoming an adult.
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