Cillian’s a real Rea of light... Stephen praises ‘adorable’ star
Margot Robbie on red carpet
ACTOR Stephen Rea said he’s not sure if he’s deserving of the Irish Film and Television Academy’s Lifetime Achievement award.
The Oscar-nominated star, 77, will be presented with the trophy at the 2024 IFTA ceremony this Saturday.
Miriam O’callaghan asked the Belfast man on RTE Radio One if it will be a massive achievement for him.
He said: “Of course it is but I’m not sure I deserve it particularly, well I’ve had a long life so I deserve something.
“But it’s wonderful and I love IFTA, they’ve done a fantastic job supporting the film industry here.
“And it’s a wonderful occasion because its got that special thing that it’s as much fun as anything.
“You’re not sweating your heart out because you might not get your award or anything it’s just a bit of craic.”
Miriam said he sounded humble for someone who will be winning the “biggest award” of the evening, but Stephen didn’t agree that it is the most important.
He added: “I’m sure there are plenty of people who are wanting an award and don’t think I’m getting the biggest one.
“Cillian Murphy is getting more awards the more he looks around the corner.”
Stephen has worked with the Oscarwinning actor on projects, including Breakfast On Pluto and Ballyturk.
He said he knew Cillian had something special when he met him as a budding actor. He added: “He is a really adorable guy, of course, he had something very special, with tremendous focus, and he’s a good laugh, he is a good guy to work with.
“He is a really great fella and it’s nice to go out with him for drinks and what have you, his approach to acting is very reassuring and very good, he gets the nitty-gritty of it and it comes out truthfully.”
The Crying Game star said he never thought about winning a lifetime achievement award. He added: “I don’t think anybody thinks that way.
“You’re just going for the next part and focusing on the next task that you have and whether it’s going to work for you because it doesn’t always work. I was always very determined and everything but a career is a bit of a pain you know, artists are never satisfied.
“I am as dark as the night. You’re never ever finally confirmed in your comfort as an actor, I don’t think.”
The star, who performed a reading at Croi na Cathrach – Heart of the City – at Belfast’s Ulster Hall on Saturday, said many of his industry colleagues had dark pasts, including himself.
He added: “I’m still trying to reconcile myself to not a particularly thrilling childhood.
“My father had an alcohol problem and that’s always hell in a marriage.
“But he was a very lively guy and my mother was very unhappy so that’s an equation you wish to escape.”
He’s a good laugh, he is a good guy to work with
STEPHEN REA ON CILLIAN MURPHY