Aisling O'Mara is an Irish actress and writer based in Dublin. She is no stranger to the stage or the screen, appearing on The Abbey stage, a television series or a film. Aisling is known for «Redemption Of A Rogue», «Cold Courage», «Redemption» and «Rosie».
Hello, Aisling! It's great to have you here for an interview. Tell us about your plans for this spring?
— My plan at the moment to refocus myself on my writing. I've been writing plays since 2015, and since being a mam I've put it on the back burn a bit, but since the new year I've been back at it. Also the film «BLUE MOON» is coming out during the summer. I was lucky to be in this and watch amazing actors work, so I'm excited to see it on the big screen. And of course make some memories with my EmmiRose.
I hurry to ask our traditional question: when and why did you decide to become an actress? At what point of your life did you make such a decision?
— I think I was always drawn to it. As a kid I did panto and loved it. But I got really serious about it when I went to the Lir, I knew then that this was something I wanted to do as a career.
Your filmography includes a variety of projects: «The Vanishing Triangle», «Cold Courage», «Taken Down», «Redemption of a Rogue» and others. Could you please tell us which of them you enjoyed the most and why?
— «Redemption of a Rogue» will always have a special place in my heart. It was my first feature. I played this brilliant character Masha. She was a badass, loved her. The whole team was so great, had a ball on it, and I'm really proud of the film.
During your career, you have managed to work with various actors and actresses. Which of them made the biggest impression on you?
— Recently I worked with Ethan Hawke and it was pretty outstanding to watch him work. His detail, and the way he made it look effortless.
You also do a lot of theater. Name us a few of your favorite performances!
— A few years ago I did a play called «Shit» by Patricia Cornelius directed by Jenny Jennings with the theatre company THISISPOPBABY. This was the most demanding play I've ever done, and most rewarding for me as an actor. I learned so much for the cast, director and especially from the movement director Philip Connaughton.
What do you like more: playing in the theater or starring in movies?
— Ahh that’s a hard one, to be honest it really depends on the role. The processes are so different between the two it's really hard to compare.
Do you have any special way of preparing for a role?
— It really depends on the role, how far away the character is from me. I do a lot of research about the world that the piece is in before I start filming or rehearsals.
What genre would you most like to work in?
— I do love comedy. As I've gotten older I enjoy doing comedy and love when you can hear the audience roaring laughing.
In addition to acting in theater and film, you are also a voice actress. Would you like to develop in this industry in the future?
— Yes I’m really lucky to have signed with voicebank, and started in the last year or two doing more voice over for the radio and TV.
If you could play any existing character, who would it be and why?
— Sally Bowles from Cabaret. This would be my dream. A real life person I'd love to play is Mary Robinson ex-president of Ireland she is an absolute power house.
How do you manage to combine motherhood and acting? Do you face any difficulties?
— The no sleep is very difficult, my darling daughter isn’t a great sleeper. That’s challenging. But I’m lucky I’ve good support around me.
Top-3 of your favorite things about motherhood?
— Waking up in the morning and hearing «hey momma». Watching her develop new skills, it's mad. I love it. When I see her little eyes light up, her favorite song at the moment its «You’re Welcome» Moana.
We noticed that you have several tattoos! Could you please tell us how many of these you have and what they mean?
— Hahaha yes I do, i've ABSOLUTELY on my arm, my late aunt's Rosealeens favourite phrase. A rose for EmmiRose and my Aunt Rosealeen. A treble clef on my wrist. I was 18, and my friend Peter drew it in Thailand. And my star sign on my hip it’s in blue, and everyone tried to talk me out of it.
Please tell us about your hobbies. What do you like to do in your spare time?
— Please don’t judge but I watch a good bit of reality TV. Mostly housewife’s and married at first sight.
Do you have any rules of life that you adhere to?
— Try your best, if you don’t get it, dust yourself off and try again.
Favourite movie?
— «Blue Jasmine».
Favorite TV series?
— «Sex and the city».
Favorite book?
— «Watermelon», Marian Keyes.
Your favorite quote?
— This too shall pass.
Favorite game?
— Solitaire.
Favorite color?
— Green.
Your favorite singer/band/composer?
— Beyonce.
Your favorite song?
— It can differ as the moment: We Didn’t Know We Were Ready by Talos.
Three recent songs you've added to your playlist?
— They not like us. Catfish. Denial is a river.
What's your house from Game of Thrones?
— Never watched it.
Marvel or DC?
— Not into either.
What's your Hogwarts House?
— Slytherin.
Do you have an idol and if you do, who is it and why?
— Beyonce: her creativity, passion, her detail. Cate Blanchett: her raw talent, work ethic, her imagination.
