Gillian Kearney
{{short description|British actress (born 1972)}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Gillian Kearney
| image =
| imagesize =
| caption =
| birthname = Gillian Louise Kearney
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|05|09|df=y}}
| birth_place = Aigburth, Liverpool, England
| death_date =
| death_place =
| othername =
| occupation = Actress
| alma_mater = Rose Bruford College
| years_active = 1986–present
| website =
| television = Brookside (1986–1989)
Damon and Debbie (1987)
Shameless (2005–2007)
Casualty (2008–2010)
Emmerdale (2015–2017, 2024)
| partner = Eddie Foo
| children = 1
}}
Gillian Louise Kearney[http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?MS_AdvCB=1&gl=ROOT_CATEGORY&rank=1&new=1&so=3&MSAV=1&msT=0&gss=ms_r_f-2&gsfn=Gillian&gsfn_x=1&gsln=Kearney&gsln_x=1&rg_81004010__date=1972&81004010__date_x=1&msbpn=92187&msbpn__ftp=Liverpool%2C+England%2C+United+Kingdom&msbpn_x=1&msbpn__ftp_x=1&msrpn_x=1&msrpn__ftp_x=1&81004030__date_x=1&msdpn_x=1&msdpn__ftp_x=1&_8000C000_x=1&_80008000_x=1&_80018000_x=1&_80014000_x=1&_80010000_x=1&81004200__date_x=1&_82004200-gpid_x=1&_82004200__ftp_x=1&81004210__date_x=1&_82004210-gpid_x=1&_82004210__ftp_x=1&_82004280-gpid_x=1&_82004280__ftp_x=1&_82004290-gpid_x=1&_82004290__ftp_x=1&81004240__date_x=1&_82004240-gpid_x=1&_82004240__ftp_x=1&81004020__date_x=1&_82004020-gpid_x=1&_82004020__ftp_x=1&81004230__date_x=1&_82004230-gpid_x=1&_82004230__ftp_x=1&gskw_x=1&_83004002_x=1&81000000__date_x=1&_82000000-gpid_x=1&_82000000__ftp_x=1&sbo=0&ne=3 Birth Registration Details] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930081608/http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?MS_AdvCB=1&gl=ROOT_CATEGORY&rank=1&new=1&so=3&MSAV=1&msT=0&gss=ms_r_f-2&gsfn=Gillian&gsfn_x=1&gsln=Kearney&gsln_x=1&rg_81004010__date=1972&81004010__date_x=1&msbpn=92187&msbpn__ftp=Liverpool,+England,+United+Kingdom&msbpn_x=1&msbpn__ftp_x=1&msrpn_x=1&msrpn__ftp_x=1&81004030__date_x=1&msdpn_x=1&msdpn__ftp_x=1&_8000C000_x=1&_80008000_x=1&_80018000_x=1&_80014000_x=1&_80010000_x=1&81004200__date_x=1&_82004200-gpid_x=1&_82004200__ftp_x=1&81004210__date_x=1&_82004210-gpid_x=1&_82004210__ftp_x=1&_82004280-gpid_x=1&_82004280__ftp_x=1&_82004290-gpid_x=1&_82004290__ftp_x=1&81004240__date_x=1&_82004240-gpid_x=1&_82004240__ftp_x=1&81004020__date_x=1&_82004020-gpid_x=1&_82004020__ftp_x=1&81004230__date_x=1&_82004230-gpid_x=1&_82004230__ftp_x=1&gskw_x=1&_83004002_x=1&81000000__date_x=1&_82000000-gpid_x=1&_82000000__ftp_x=1&sbo=0&ne=3 |date=30 September 2011 }} Ancestry.co.uk (Retrieved 16 July 2009) (born 9 May 1972) is an English actress best known for her early role as Debbie McGrath in Channel 4's Liverpool-based soap opera Brookside and the spin-off mini-series Damon and Debbie, and for playing Jessica Harrison in the long-running BBC television medical drama series Casualty, as well as Emma Barton in the ITV Yorkshire-based soap opera Emmerdale. The role of Emma gained her recognition because of her character's involvement in Emmerdale’s most high-profile storylines during her three-year stint.
Early life
One of four children born to Gerard and Barbara (née Allerston) Kearney, Kearney has three brothers, including Tom, a professional footballer. Her father is a retired civil engineer, and her mother a school care worker.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}} Growing up in Aigburth, she attended St. John Almond RC High School, Garston,{{Cite web |url=http://www.saintbenedicts.co.uk/www/index.php/school/history |title=Saint Benedict's College history |access-date=8 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211034811/http://www.saintbenedicts.co.uk/www/index.php/school/history |archive-date=11 February 2010 |url-status=dead }} where she gained nine GCSEs and four A-levels. She later trained at the Rose Bruford College.
Career
Her interest in acting began at secondary school. After repeatedly being overlooked for the lead roles in school productions, she decided to join the Liverpool Playhouse Youth Theatre, where she featured in plays including All Flesh is Grass (as Ema),Jones, Catherine; [http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/capital-of-culture/capital-of-culture-liverpool-news/2008/09/23/we-ve-got-talent-25m-culture-project-launched-100252-21878004/ "We've got talent! £25m Culture project launched"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305201803/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/capital-of-culture/capital-of-culture-liverpool-news/2008/09/23/we-ve-got-talent-25m-culture-project-launched-100252-21878004/ |date=5 March 2012 }}, LiverpoolEcho.co.uk, 23 September 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2009 Katie Crackernuts and Yer Dancin'? It was there, in 1986, that she was spotted by members of the Mersey Television production team; this resulted in her being asked to audition for a role in Channel 4's soap opera Brookside. Kearney landed the role of Debbie McGrath, the girlfriend of Damon Grant, played by Simon O'Brien. When O'Brien decided to leave Brookside, he requested that his character be killed off so he wouldn't be tempted to return to the show. Because Damon was so popular, particularly with younger viewers, it was decided to create a "soap bubble" in which the character would meet his demise: the result, Damon and Debbie, became Britain's first mini-series spin-off from a soap opera.Plunkett, Jon; [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/oct/10/broadcasting.channel4 "Brookside: the highs and lows"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909223243/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/oct/10/broadcasting.channel4 |date=9 September 2014 }} The Guardian, 10 October 2002. Retrieved 16 July 2009Williams, Steve; Jones, Ian; Kibble-White, Jack; [http://www.offthetelly.co.uk/?page_id=929 "Channel 4 at 25: 1987"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608044950/http://www.offthetelly.co.uk/?page_id=929 |date=8 June 2011 }} OffTheTelly.co.uk, November 2002. Retrieved 16 July 2009 A year after filming her final scenes, Kearney was asked to return for a few episodes. Christmas 1988 saw Debbie McGrath make an unexpected return to visit Sheila Grant, Damon's mother; she arrived with her baby, Simon – Damon's son.
Kearney played the young Shirley in the award-winning 1989 film Shirley Valentine.
She also had the lead female part as Ellie Brookes in Sex, Chips & Rock n' Roll, a six-part television mini-series written and created by Debbie Horsfield and directed by John Woods. It was produced by Wall to Wall for BBC One originally airing in 1999 before being adapted into a successful stage musical.
In 2002, Kearney landed the role of June Forsyte in the ITV1 adaptation of John Galsworthy's classic novel The Forsyte Saga. She later reprised the role for the second series. Following the success of The Forsyte Saga, Kearney's next role brought her back onto the ITV screen in its newest medical drama, Sweet Medicine. Kearney was cast as Dr Deborah "Deb" Sweet, and starred alongside Jason Merrells, who played her husband, and Patricia Hodge as her formidable mother-in-law. The show was intended to take up the mantle of the popular rural drama Peak Practice, which had recently ended, but low viewing figures saw Sweet Medicine axed after just one series.
In 2005, Kearney landed a role in Channel 4's hit series Shameless, playing the role of Marty Fisher's (Jack Deam) girlfriend, Sue Garland. She left the show along with her on-screen partner in 2007.[http://www.radiotimes.com/content/show-features/shameless/gillian-kearney-as-sue/ "Gillian Kearney as Sue"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229200328/http://www.radiotimes.com/content/show-features/shameless/gillian-kearney-as-sue/ |date=29 February 2008 }} Radio Times, January 2006. Retrieved 16 July 2009 She had a number of television roles following her departure before landing the role of Jessica Harrison in Casualty, in January 2008. Kearney left Casualty in February 2010, but returned briefly to tie up the loose ends of her character's storyline in May 2010.
As of 2 January 2015, Kearney began appearing in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, in the role of Emma Barton, the estranged wife of James Barton (Bill Ward) and mother of their three sons Pete (Anthony Quinlan), Ross (Michael Parr) and Finn (Joe Gill). Kearney has received critical acclaim for her performance,{{Cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/10/19/emmerdale-spoilers-why-emma-barton-could-be-one-of-the-all-time-best-soap-villains-6202463/|title=Emmerdale: Why Emma Barton is one of the all time best soap villains|last=Metro.co.uk|first=Duncan Lindsay for|date=19 October 2016|website=Metro|access-date=1 April 2017|archive-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131010940/http://metro.co.uk/2016/10/19/emmerdale-spoilers-why-emma-barton-could-be-one-of-the-all-time-best-soap-villains-6202463/|url-status=live}} particularly when it came to the "No Return" week which saw the character hold James hostage and cause a huge crash that endangered the lives of seven Emmerdale residents; after Emma accidentally pushed James off the bridge, he later died. Kearney was nominated for Best Serial Drama Performance at the 2016 National Television Awards. In 2019, Kearney directed the 5Star woman's prison drama Clink.
Personal life
Kearney lived in Crouch End, North London, from July 2000,Leask, Annie; [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20010422/ai_n14526446/ "Interview — Gillian Kearney: Mum's desperate for me to find a good man"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230184832/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20010422/ai_n14526446/ |date=30 December 2010 }} Sunday Mirror, 22 April 2002. Retrieved 16 July 2009 and then rented a property in Clifton, Bristol, during her time appearing in Casualty.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKiL4yiRdRg|title=This Morning television interview with Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton on 16 April 2009.|website=YouTube |date=18 April 2009 |access-date=29 November 2016|archive-date=27 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327192034/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKiL4yiRdRg|url-status=live}} She returned to live in Liverpool after the birth of her son; she also rented a home in Yorkshire where she filmed Emmerdale, and a holiday home on the Atlantic coast of County Clare, Ireland.{{Cite news|url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/557810/Emmerdale-Gillian-Kearney-interview|title=Emmerdale's Gillian Kearney: 'My greatest weakness is chocolate'|last=Francis|first=Pam|date=15 February 2015|work=Daily Express|access-date=1 April 2017|language=en|archive-date=2 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402082340/http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/557810/Emmerdale-Gillian-Kearney-interview|url-status=live}}
In April 2009 Kearney mentioned, during a This Morning television interview, that she was seeing a final-year medical student called Eddie, whom she had met whilst in Bristol. Early in 2010, Kearney announced her engagement to Eddie Foo and their intention to marry later that year in Ireland,Wise, Jon; [http://www.people.co.uk/news/news/tm_method=full%26objectID=21955316%26siteID=93463-name_page.html "DOCTOR WOO!"] The People, 10 January 2010. Retrieved 16 February 2010 but the plans were soon put on hold when she discovered that she was expecting their first child. Kearney gave birth to an 8 lb 3 oz (3.7 kg) baby boy on 26 August 2010.Miles, Tina; [http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/09/25/casualty-star-gillian-kearney-on-becoming-a-mum-and-her-recent-clapperboard-role-at-liverpool-s-fact-100252-27339017// "Casualty star Gillian Kearney on becoming a mum and her recent Clapperboard role at Liverpool's FACT"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208050629/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/ |date=8 February 2021 }} The Liverpool Echo, 25 September 2010
Credits
=Film=
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Title ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes | ||
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1989}} | Young Shirley | |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2003}}
| Homecoming | Dushuri | Short |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2006}}
| The Other Half | Holly Lamanuzzi | |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2006}}
| The Lives of Saints | Christella | |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2006}} | Kelly's next door neighbour | uncredited |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2013}}
| Harrigan | Bridie Wheland | |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2013}}
| Breakthrough | Judith | Short |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2014}}
| Sealed with a Kiss | Ginny | Short |
=Television=
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Title ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Network ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes | |||
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1986–1989}} | Debbie McGrath | {{center|Channel 4}} | Regular role |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1987}} | Debbie McGrath | {{center|Channel 4}} | 3 episodes, Mini Series |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1990}}
| The Final Frame | Cassy | {{center| Kinesis Films for Channel 4}} | TV movie |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1991}} | Helen | {{center|BBC One}} | 6 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1991}}
| Casualty | Mandy | {{center|BBC1}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1995}} | Jenny | {{center|BBC One}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1996}}
| The Tide of Life | Emily Kennedy | {{center|ITV}} | Mini Series |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1996}} | Susan Watkins | {{center|ITV}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1997}}
| The Ruby Ring | Elizabeth Langley | {{center|Showtime}} | TV movie |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1998}} | Debra Woolmer | {{center|BBC One}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1998}} | Julie Callaghan | {{center|ITV}} | 5 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1998}}
| The Things You Do for Love | Young Joan | TV movie | |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|1999}} | Ellie Brookes | {{center|BBC One}} | Mini Series |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2000}}
| Black Cab | Phil | {{center|BBC Two}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2000}} | Kitty Burton | {{center|BBC One}} | 10 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2000}} | Cynthia Lennon | {{center|NBC}} | TV movie |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2001}} | Catrin Palmer | {{center|BBC One}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2001}} | WPC Jay Nash | {{center|ITV}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2001–2002}} | Lynne Watson | {{center|BBC One}} | 2 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2002}}
| The Real Jane Austen | Jane Austen | {{center|BBC Two}} | TV documentary |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2002–2003}} | June Forsyte | {{center|ITV}} | Mini Series |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2003}} | Lesley Tulley | {{center|ITV}} | 2 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2003}} | Dr. Deborah Sweet | {{center|ITV}} | |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2005}} | Maria | {{center|ITV}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2005–2007}} | Sue Garland | {{center|Channel 4}} | 12 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2007}} | Gina Casper | {{center|ITV}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2007}}
| Lilies | Miss Bird | {{center|BBC One}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2008}}
| Primeval | Valerie Irwin | {{center|ITV}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2008–2010}}
| Casualty | Jessica Harrison | {{center|BBC One}} | 93 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2011}}
| Justice | Louise Scanlon | {{center|BBC One}} | |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2012}} | DI Bridges | {{center|BBC One}} | 2 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2013}} | Danielle | {{center|BBC One}} | 1 episode |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2014}}
| Suspects | Tamsin Shaffer | {{center|Channel 5}} | 4 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2015–2017, 2024}}
|Emmerdale {{cite web |url= http://unitedagents.co.uk/gillian-kearney |title= Gillian Kearney |website= United Agents |access-date= 24 November 2014 |archive-date= 17 March 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150317125221/http://unitedagents.co.uk/gillian-kearney |url-status= live }} | Emma Barton | {{center|ITV}} | Regular role; 355 episodes |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2024}}
|''Vera | Deborah McSwain | {{center|ITV}} | 1 episode |
=Theatre=
- Macbeth ... Lady Macduff, Witch; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 6 May – 11 June 2011{{cite web |url=http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Show/MACBETH/521/Cast.aspx |title=Macbeth |website=Everyman Theatre. |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519032724/http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/Show/MACBETH/521/Cast.aspx |url-status=live }}
- Strangers, Babies ... May; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh; 23 February – 17 March 2007[http://www.traverse.co.uk/show_detail.php?id=420 "Traverse Theatre Company: Strangers, Babies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215024608/http://www.traverse.co.uk/show_detail.php?id=420 |date=15 February 2008 }} Traverse.co.uk (Retrieved 16 July 2009)Fisher, Mark; [https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2007/mar/02/theatre1 "Theatre; Strangers, Babies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306015932/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2007/mar/02/theatre1 |date=6 March 2016 }} The Guardian, 2 March 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- The Flint Street Nativity ... Mary; Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool; 7 December 2006 – 20 January 2007
- Hedda Gabler ... Hedda Gabler
- Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool; 23 March – 15 April 2006Butler, Billy; [https://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2006/04/05/theatre_gilliankearney_interview_feature.shtml "Gillian Kearney Interview"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925070609/http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2006/04/05/theatre_gilliankearney_interview_feature.shtml |date=25 September 2015 }} BBC (Radio Merseyside), 5 April 2006. Retrieved 16 July 2009
- West Yorkshire Playhouse (Quarry Theatre), Leeds; 17 February – 11 March 2006
- A Man of Principle ... Ruth; Colin's Bridewell, Liverpool; 26 October 2004{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/MY+PLAY'S+A+WINNER.-a0123614276 |title=My Play's a Winner |last1=Underwood |first1=Mitya |date=25 October 2004 |website=The Free Library |access-date=25 November 2014 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207040922/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/MY+PLAY%27S+A+WINNER.-a0123614276 |url-status=live }}
- A Midsummer Night's Dream ... Hermia; Albery Theatre, London; 16 March – 12 May 2001{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2001/mar/24/theatre.artsfeatures |title=Dawn French's mildly funny Bottom |date=24 March 2001 |last1=Billington |first1=Michael |website=The Guardian |access-date=25 November 2014 |archive-date=10 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510092029/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2001/mar/24/theatre.artsfeatures |url-status=live }}
- King Lear ... Cordelia; Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; 9 September – 23 October 1999{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/news/08-1999/courtenay-stars-in-manchester-king-lear_30280.html |title=Courtenay Stars in Manchester King Lear |author= |date=31 August 1999 |website=What's On Stage |access-date=25 November 2014 |archive-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021083014/http://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/news/08-1999/courtenay-stars-in-manchester-king-lear_30280.html |url-status=live }}
- The School for Wives ... Agnès
- Comedy Theatre, London; 6 May – 2 August 1997
- Piccadilly Theatre, London; 11 February – 26 April 1997
- Theatre Royal, Bath; 9–14 December 1996
- Festival Theatre, Chichester; 26–30 November 1996
- Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle upon Tyne; 18–23 November 1996
- Richmond Theatre, Richmond; 11–16 November 1996
- King's Theatre, Edinburgh; 5–9 November 1996
- Thorndike Theatre, Leatherhead; 8–26 October 1996
- The Rivals ... Lucy; Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; 8 February – 23 March 1996
- When We Are Married ... Nancy Holmes; Festival Theatre, Chichester; 24 July – 17 August 1996
- The School for Scandal ... Maria; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 1992
- Othello ... Desdemona; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 1992
- Alice in Wonderland ... Alice; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 1991
- The White Devil ... Giovanni; Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; 1991
- Your Home in the West ... Sharon; Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; 28 March – 13 April 1991
=Radio=
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Title ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Station | ||
| rowspan="1" | | Michelle | BBC |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2013}} | Dr Callard | BBC Radio 4 |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2014}} | DC Archer | BBC Radio 4 |
| rowspan="1" | {{center|2014}} | Dr. Moira Leigh | BBC Northern Ireland |
Awards and nominations
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|0443937|Gillian Kearney}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kearney, Gillian}}
Category:Actresses from Liverpool
Category:Alumni of Rose Bruford College
Category:English child actresses
Category:English television actresses
Category:English soap opera actresses
Category:English stage actresses
Category:English film actresses
Category:English radio actresses
Category:English Shakespearean actresses
Category:English people of Irish descent
Category:20th-century English actresses