Jonathan Rhys Meyers Praises Rising Irish Acting Stars, Fans Call for His Return to the Screen
Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers recently captivated audiences during an appearance on The Late Late Show, where he passionately lauded the burgeoning talent of Irish actors making significant waves on the global stage. The Cork-born star, who first achieved widespread recognition for his roles in films like Michael Collins and Bend It Like Beckham, and the acclaimed television series The Tudors, has largely stepped away from the intense glare of the spotlight in recent years, navigating personal challenges.
During his conversation with host Patrick Kielty on Friday night, Meyers expressed his profound admiration for the new generation of Irish performers. His heartfelt words resonated deeply with viewers, sparking a chorus of demands for his own return to prominent roles on television and film.
“I admire how good they are,” Meyers remarked, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. “God, I learn from them. I’m always in the learning process as an actor; I feel like everything I’ve done before is in preparation for what I may do in the future. But I watch all of the young Irish performers coming up.”
He continued to elaborate on his awe at the current wave of talent. “I’m astounded at the level of creativity, I’m astounded at the level of confidence. What a confident country! You know, we’re a small island, but we punch so high above our weight. And from an artistic, literary point of view, and from a performance point of view, there’s very few who can match our youth right now. They’re determined; they’ve got such will.”
Meyers further articulated his perspective on the contribution of Irish actors to the world of entertainment. “Look, it’s a gift,” he stated to Kielty. “It’s a gift that we’re willing to give to the world, and we give – we don’t give it freely, but we give it generously.”
The sentiment expressed by Meyers clearly struck a chord with those watching at home. Many took to social media to voice their appreciation for his eloquent tribute and, more importantly, to express a strong desire to see him back in the limelight.
Fans’ Calls for Meyers’ Comeback
The overwhelming reaction from viewers highlighted a significant appetite for Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ return to acting. Comments flooded in, reflecting a shared sentiment:
- “We need to see Jonathan back on our screen! Super talented guy.”
- “We need him back on our screens acting.”
- “What a marvellous actor… Who has come through so much… I hope he stays healthy.”
These sentiments underscore the enduring appeal and respect audiences hold for Meyers’ acting prowess, even during his time away from major projects.

Meyers’ thoughtful reflections on Irish talent come at a significant time for the nation’s presence in Hollywood, with the Academy Awards just around the corner. Jessie Buckley, a highly regarded Irish actress, is widely considered a strong contender for the prestigious Best Actress award, potentially marking a historic first for Ireland in that category. This highlights the remarkable impact Irish performers are having on the international film scene, a phenomenon Meyers so eloquently celebrated.
The actor’s journey, marked by both significant professional triumphs and personal struggles, has clearly instilled in him a deep appreciation for the craft and the unique artistic spirit that emanates from Ireland. His appearance on The Late Late Show served as a powerful reminder of his own talent and the vibrant community of actors he so admires, leaving fans hopeful for both his future endeavours and the continued success of Irish talent worldwide.







