Gerard McSorley

Gerard McSorley (Irish: Gearóid Mac Somhairle), born on 1 January 1950 in Omagh, County Tyrone, is an Irish actor whose work spans theatre, television, and film. He is a descendant of John McSorley, who founded McSorley's Old Ale House in New York City, recognized as the oldest operating pub in the city. McSorley resides in Gweedore, County Donegal.

His early education took place at a Christian Brothers school in Omagh, followed by St. Columb's College in Derry. He subsequently studied at Queen's University, Belfast, where his teachers included the poet Seamus Heaney. Much of his early professional life was devoted to theatre, with significant work at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.

McSorley appeared on Broadway in 1991 in Brian Friel's Dancing at Lughnasa, in which he played the role of Michael Evans. He had originated the role in the production's West End run before bringing it to Broadway. His performance as part of that company earned him a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in 1992 and a Theatre World Special Award the same year.

His Broadway work in Dancing at Lughnasa brought him increased attention for screen roles. His film credits include Braveheart, in which he played a character named Cheltham who is decapitated by William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling, and In the Name of the Father. He was cast as Queenan in Martin Scorsese's The Departed but was unable to fulfill the role, which was subsequently taken by Martin Sheen. Additional film appearances include The Constant Gardener and the 2010 Ridley Scott film Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe.

Among his television work, McSorley took the lead role in Omagh, a feature-length drama depicting the impact of the Omagh bombing on the town's residents. He is also known for portraying Father Todd Unctious in the Father Ted Christmas special episode A Christmassy Ted, broadcast on Channel 4 in 1996. He played Robert Aske in the Showtime historical drama The Tudors in 2009. His earlier television credits include roles in The Irish R.M. in 1984, Bergerac in 1985, The Hanging Gale in 1995, and Shakespeare: The Animated Tales in 1994, in which he voiced Iago.

In November 2019, McSorley was arrested in connection with a breach of the peace and was additionally charged with damaging property in a cell at Letterkenny Garda Station. A warrant for his arrest was issued the following month after he did not appear in court.