Aisling Bea

Aisling Bea, born Aisling Clíodhnadh O'Sullivan on March 16, 1984, is an Irish actress and comedian. She professionally uses the surname 'Bea,' a tribute to her father, Brian O'Sullivan, who died by suicide when she was three years old. Her upbringing in Co Kildare informs her current stand-up material, which frequently incorporates stories about growing up without a father. Bea received a formal education, studying French and philosophy at Trinity College Dublin and later attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Bea’s career has encompassed television, radio, and live performance. Having been a frequent participant on panel programs including QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats, Aisling Bea is also recognized as a regular on 'Taskmaster,' appearing in the fifth series in 2017. A significant early achievement in her career was winning the So You Think You're Funny award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2012. Bea collaborated to both write and present the BBC Radio 4 comedy series 'Micks and Legends,' which aired in 2012 and again in 2015. The comedy series 'This Way Up,' for which she served as creator, writer, and star, was broadcast between 2019 and 2021. Bea also featured in a Netflix stand-up special released in late 2018, further establishing her presence in the comedy world.

Currently, Aisling Bea is on her first stand-up tour, 'Older Than Jesus,' which has been reviewed positively by publications like The Guardian, The Irish Examiner, and The Times. The Guardian describes it as a "scatty show that revels in immaturity," while the Irish Examiner noted her connection with audiences in Cork. She has performed at venues such as Vicar Street as part of the tour. Bea’s professional representation includes Emily Hargreaves at Multitude Media, Hannah Chambers at Chambers Management Ltd, Livi Shean at Independent Talent, and Rachel Rusch at CAA. Looking ahead, she is set to appear in the sci-fi thriller 'Starman' (2026) with Brendan Fraser and Jeff Daniels, and the Amazon MGM rom-com ‘Hello & Paris’ (2026) alongside Kate Hudson and Javier Bardem. In January 2024, she was a comedian on 'LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland,' and as of June 2024, she is expecting her first child with partner Jack Freeman.