Eanna Hardwicke: Rising Irish Star of Film, Television, and Stage

Eanna Hardwicke is an Irish actor from Cork who has rapidly become one of the most exciting new faces in film, television, and theatre. Best known for roles in Normal People, The Sixth Commandment, and Lakelands, Hardwicke has earned praise for his emotional depth, authenticity, and ability to adapt to diverse characters. With formal training at The Lir Academy and recognition through awards such as the RTS Award for Best Supporting Actor, he is now regarded as a rising star both in Ireland and on the international stage.

Early Life and Background

Eanna Hardwicke was born and raised in Cork, Ireland. Growing up in the St. Luke’s–Military Hill area before moving with his family to Glanmire, Hardwicke displayed a natural interest in performing from a young age. He attended Cork School Project (now Cork Educate Together) and later Ashton School. While many children focus on sports or academics, Hardwicke’s curiosity drew him to acting workshops and youth theatre programs that gave him an early taste of performance.

His first encounter with structured acting came through the Gaiety School of Acting’s Cork campus, the National Association for Youth Drama (NAYD), and the Cork School of Music. These experiences not only introduced him to the stage but also nurtured his passion for storytelling. It became clear that he was not simply dabbling in drama — he was setting the foundation for a career that would later gain international recognition.

Education and Training at The Lir Academy

To sharpen his craft, Eanna Hardwicke enrolled at The Lir Academy in Dublin, one of Ireland’s most respected drama schools. There, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Acting, graduating in 2018.

Training at The Lir gave him exposure to classical and contemporary theatre, as well as the discipline required to adapt to different acting styles. The academy emphasizes voice, movement, and character work, all of which prepared Hardwicke for the range of roles he would later take on. His time at The Lir also connected him with Ireland’s thriving theatre scene and positioned him for immediate opportunities in both stage and screen productions.

Eanna Hardwicke Age

As of 2025, Eanna Hardwicke is 34 years old. Born in 1991 in Cork, he represents a new generation of Irish actors who are blending local authenticity with international appeal. His age places him at a prime point in his career — experienced enough to carry complex roles but still young enough to be cast in emerging projects that demand energy and freshness.

Eanna Hardwicke Family

Although Eanna Hardwicke is becoming a public figure, he has maintained a degree of privacy about his family. What is known is that his early years in Cork, shaped by a supportive environment, gave him the grounding and encouragement to pursue acting seriously. His family encouraged his interest in theatre from a young age, and that support allowed him to explore youth drama programs and eventually attend The Lir Academy.

While he does not frequently discuss personal family details in interviews, Hardwicke often credits his upbringing in Cork as instrumental in shaping both his character and his artistic sensibilities. His roots remain important to him, and he regularly mentions how his Irish identity influences the roles he chooses.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Eanna Hardwicke’s first professional role came surprisingly early. In 2009, as a teenager, he appeared in the film The Eclipse, playing the role of Thomas Farr. Although still a student, this small but significant opportunity gave him firsthand experience working on a professional set.

After completing his formal training, Hardwicke made a strong comeback with the 2019 sci-fi thriller Vivarium. This film, which premiered at international festivals, helped reintroduce him to audiences and the industry alike.

His breakthrough moment, however, came with the critically acclaimed TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People in 2020. Playing Rob Hegarty, a friend of the lead character Connell, Hardwicke captured attention with his layered performance. The show became a global sensation, bringing him to the forefront as one of Ireland’s most promising young actors.

Notable Film and Television Roles

Normal People (2020)

Hardwicke’s portrayal of Rob Hegarty in Normal People remains one of his most recognized performances. The show’s international success introduced him to audiences worldwide and showcased his ability to deliver nuanced, emotionally driven acting.

Smother (2021–2023)

In the Irish drama series Smother, Hardwicke had a recurring role that further demonstrated his skill in portraying complex, layered characters. The show gave him space to evolve as a screen actor, balancing family drama with suspenseful storytelling.

Lakelands (2022)

Perhaps one of his most significant film roles to date, Hardwicke played Cian, a Gaelic football player whose life changes after an injury. The role demanded both physical and emotional intensity, and his performance earned him and co-star Danielle Galligan the Bingham Ray New Talent Award at the Galway Film Fleadh.

The Sixth Commandment (2023)

In this acclaimed BBC miniseries, Hardwicke portrayed Ben Field, a real-life criminal. His chilling yet deeply human performance won him the Royal Television Society Award for Best Supporting Actor – Male and earned him a BAFTA nomination. This role is widely seen as a turning point that cemented him as a major acting force.

Fate: The Winx Saga (2022)

Hardwicke expanded his portfolio into fantasy, playing Sebastian Valtor in the second season of Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga. This role allowed him to connect with younger audiences and showcased his versatility.

The Doll Factory (2023)

In this period drama adaptation, he played Silas, once again proving his ability to adapt across genres and settings.

Stage Work

While his screen career is flourishing, Eanna Hardwicke has not abandoned theatre. He has been involved in productions such as Autumn Journal, where he embodied poet Louis MacNeice. His stage work highlights his classical training and ensures he remains connected to his theatrical roots.

Awards and Recognition

Royal Television Society Award (Supporting Actor – Male, 2024) for The Sixth Commandment.

BAFTA Television Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Bingham Ray New Talent Award at Galway Film Fleadh (Lakelands).

Selected as a European Shooting Star at Berlinale 2024.

Named a Screen International Rising Star in the Irish edition.

Wilde Card Award 2025 at the US-Ireland Alliance’s Oscar Wilde Awards.

These achievements reflect not just talent but also industry recognition of his growing influence.

Eanna Hardwicke Net Worth

As of 2025, Eanna Hardwicke’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1 million. His earnings come primarily from his acting work in television series, films, and stage performances. With more international projects ahead, particularly his casting as Roy Keane in the film Saipan, his financial success is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Eanna Hardwicke Wikipedia

Eanna Hardwicke has a dedicated page on Wikipedia, which documents his career, background, and achievements. It highlights his education at The Lir Academy, his early role in The Eclipse, his international breakthrough in Normal People, and the awards he has won. While Wikipedia provides a concise overview, Hardwicke’s story continues to evolve, and his profile grows as new roles and recognitions come in.

Upcoming Projects

One of the most exciting developments in Eanna Hardwicke’s career is his role as legendary Irish footballer Roy Keane in the upcoming film Saipan. The film will dramatize the controversial events surrounding Ireland’s 2002 World Cup campaign, offering Hardwicke a high-profile opportunity to demonstrate his range.

This project, combined with his rising international reputation, positions him for even greater visibility in the coming years.

Why Eanna Hardwicke Is Considered a Rising Star

Several factors explain why critics and fans alike view Hardwicke as one of Ireland’s most compelling new actors:

Authenticity – His performances feel genuine, never forced.

Versatility – From fantasy to crime dramas, he adapts seamlessly.

Cultural Roots – His Irish background enriches his characters with a sense of place and realism.

Critical Recognition – Prestigious awards and nominations validate his talent.

International Appeal – Roles in globally streamed series like Normal People and Fate: The Winx Saga bring him to wide audiences.

Conclusion

Eanna Hardwicke’s journey from Cork youth theatre to international acclaim is proof of his determination, training, and raw talent. At just 34 years old, he has already built an impressive résumé across film, television, and stage. With award-winning performances and major roles ahead, including his portrayal of Roy Keane, Hardwicke is not just a promising actor — he is an artist establishing himself as a major force in contemporary acting.

As audiences and critics continue to celebrate his work, it’s clear that Eanna Hardwicke’s name will only become more prominent in the years ahead.