Roma Downey

Birth Name:

Roma Downey

Birth Place:

Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Profession

Producer, Actress, Director, Writer, Soundtrack

Has served as the Smile Ambassador for the organization Operation Smile, which advocates for children who are born with a cleft lip or palate
Was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for best actress in 1991 for her role in "The Playboy of the Western World․"
Earned her master's degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica and trained in acting at the Drama Studio in London
In 2009, she received an honorary doctorate from Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business
Before becoming an actor, she studied painting at the Brighton College of Art
Is primarily known for taking on the roles of sentimental characters
Although hailing from Ireland, she was once refused a part in an Irish Spring Soap TV commercial because she was told that she did not sound Irish enough
Was originally offered the lead role in "Xena: Warrior Princess," but decided to turn the part down
Wrote the children's book "Love Is a Family․"

1997Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:Nominated
1998Gemini - Best TV Movie or Mini-Series:Nominated
1998Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama:Nominated
1998Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:Nominated
1999Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama:Nominated
1999TV Guide Award - Favorite Actress in a Drama:Winner
2000TV Guide Award - Favorite Actress in a Drama:Nominated
2013Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Miniseries or Movie:Nominated
2014Grace Award - Most Inspiring Performance in Television:Winner
2023Bronze Telly - Voiceover - Television:Winner
2025Best TV for Mature Audiences - Best TV for Mature Audiences:Winner

Fast Facts