Inside Smother’s Dervla Kirwan home life with famous husband Rupert Penry-Jones, marriage and their two kids
DERVLA Kirwan reveals the reason behind her successful marriage, career and home life but says it was "difficult" facing the challenges of lockdown.
RTE’s Smother star Dervla opened up about her relationship of 21 years and how it wouldn’t have worked with anyone else.
The Irish actress revealed she is happy her husband Rupert Penry-Jones is in the same industry so he “gets it”.
Dervla told RSVP Magazine: “We met on an acting job, a play called Dangerous Corner. This was back before social media and all the dating apps where you swipe right - I can’t imagine how horrific that must be for people trying to make a connection these days.”
Rupert is well known for his roles in MI-5, Lucky Man and Black Sails.
She continued: “But most people meet their partners or friends through work so it was no different for me and Rupert.”
The former Ballykissangel actress believes it wouldn’t had worked out if she had married anyone else.
She said: “Rupert totally gets it and we’re very supportive of each other, we always have been.”
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LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES
During the first lockdown, her children Florence and Peter stayed at their London home with their dad while Dervla was filming Smother in Ireland.
She said: “I’ve always juggled work with my home life, so when the pandemic hit, it was a hell of a shock for me to realise that actually the kids are fine, it was me who wanted to get home and see everyone!"
The 50-year-old found the pandemic challenging and she has always tried to create a balance in her life.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1 she said: "I personally have found that this period, the pandemic, I've found it very difficult to keep my joy."
"That's a battle, to find your happiness, to keep your gratitude and to keep it real."
ACTING CAREER
At the age of 16, Dervla was asked to leave her school as her new career in acting was accelerating.
The talented actress has taken on numerous roles throughout her career, including roles in Doctor Who, White Dragon and Father Ted.
Originally from Churchtown, the Dubliner feels her perseverance has been key to her success as an actor but is “not seduced by status”.
She said: "I love going home and closing the door and having a dose of reality where no one gives a damn about who I am and quite frankly neither do!"
She revealed the next series of Smother has progressed with many twists and turns.
