Jessie Buckley, the acclaimed Irish actress and recent Oscar nominee, first captured the attention of the public when she appeared as a contestant on the BBC talent show ‘I’d Do Anything’ in 2008. At just 17 years of age, she showcased her vocal talents on a national platform, competing for a role in a West End revival of the classic musical ‘Oliver!’. Buckley’s journey since then has been marked by both significant achievements and formidable challenges, as she herself reflects on her experiences in the competitive environment of reality television.
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In a candid interview with Vogue, Buckley revisited her time on ‘I’d Do Anything,’ describing it as an emotionally taxing experience. She recalled facing pressure to adhere to particular industry standards, notably relating to her appearance. Buckley faced criticism regarding her posture and looks, with one choreographer advising her to adopt a more “ladylike” persona. The pressures of the show ultimately left her feeling overwhelmed and inadequate at times, sparking feelings of depression.
Raised in rural Ireland, Buckley’s path to stardom did not adhere to conventional norms. After completing her schooling, she sought admission to the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. Following her rejection from the school, Buckley found herself in a moment of uncertainty. However, destiny beckoned when she learned about the auditions for ‘I’d Do Anything’, compelling her to take a leap of faith and try her luck.
Her instinctive decision to audition proved fortuitous, as Buckley progressed through the competition, finishing as the runner-up to Jodie Prenger. Despite not securing the coveted role, the experience thrust her into the limelight, introducing her to the realities of the industry at a young age. Reflecting on that period, she remarked on the bravery it took to put herself under scrutiny at such a formative age, though she also questioned whether her youthful courage stemmed from innocence rather than experience.
In her Vogue interview, Buckley recounted the troubling aspects of her experience on the show, which included significant body shaming and unrealistic expectations regarding femininity. “I was still growing into my body at 17,” she explained, highlighting the harsh realities many young women face in an objectifying environment. Buckley expressed a desire for future generations of women to be spared the kind of brutal treatment she endured, an experience she did not fully comprehend at the time yet profoundly felt.
While she reached the final stages of the competition, Buckley made the conscious decision to forge her own path instead of taking the role offered to her as an understudy in the West End production. Instead, she opted for a measured approach to her career, securing her first significant theatre role in ‘A Little Night Music’ at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory. This decision reflected her determination to develop her craft in a more supportive environment, away from the glare of reality television.
Despite the challenges that followed after ‘I’d Do Anything’, Buckley embarked on a journey of self-discovery within the arts, gradually moving away from the rigid standards imposed by the industry. As she found her footing, the actress started earning recognition for her nuanced performances on both stage and screen, eventually carving out a name for herself in the competitive fields of theatre and cinema.
Buckley’s commitment to her craft culminated in her stellar performance in ‘The Lost Daughter’, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2022. This role marked a turning point in her career and established her as a gifted talent in contemporary film.
Most recently, Buckley has garnered widespread acclaim for her role in ‘Hamnet’, where she portrays Agnes Shakespeare alongside Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare. The film delves into the profound grief stemming from the loss of their son, an event some believe influenced the creation of Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy, ‘Hamlet’. Her performance in ‘Hamnet’ has been celebrated throughout awards season, further solidifying her status in the industry.
Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has collaborated closely with Buckley, extolled her talent during conversations about their joint projects. Gyllenhaal expressed pride in Buckley’s achievements and hinted at even greater things to come. “I think in this movie, it’s like next level… I don’t think anyone’s ever seen what she does in this movie,” she remarked in a recent interview.
As Jessie Buckley continues to expand her repertoire and explore new creative avenues, she stands as a testament to the resilience of artists navigating the complexities of the entertainment landscape. Her story is an inspiring reminder of the journey to authenticity and recognition in an industry that often overlooks individual narratives in favour of conformity.