Fresh Air Saoirse Ronan Says Being A Child Actor Shaped Her — For The Better
12 snips
Nov 6, 2024 Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar nominee known for her roles in Little Women and Lady Bird, shares her journey from child actor to Hollywood star. She discusses her new films, The Outrun and Blitz, and the emotional challenges of portraying addiction and motherhood. Ronan reflects on the nurturing environments essential for child actors and how childhood experiences shape identity and language. She also highlights the authentic mother-daughter dynamics in Lady Bird, showcasing the importance of genuine storytelling in her work.
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Early Lambing
- Saoirse Ronan filmed a lambing scene five months before principal photography began, as lambing season in Orkney starts earlier.
- She had to be on set at 4 a.m. and sometimes the sheep wouldn't go into labor.
Blitz Inspiration
- Director Steve McQueen's inspiration for Blitz stemmed from a photograph of a lone Black boy on a train platform during wartime.
- This image sparked his curiosity about the boy's story and led to the film's focus on those left behind during the bombing raids.
Supporting Young Actors
- Saoirse Ronan wanted to ensure a positive experience for child actor Elliot Heffernan, similar to her own early career.
- She emphasized creating a supportive and respectful environment, recalling the kindness of actors like Stanley Tucci and James McAvoy.
