Niamh McCormack and Seamus O’Hara Discuss Their Roles in House of Guinness

As anticipation builds for the premiere of House of Guinness on Netflix, actors Niamh McCormack and Seamus O’Hara shared insights into their on-screen sibling dynamic. The series, which explores themes of power, legacy, and family intrigue, is set to be one of the most talked-about dramas of 2025.

Natural Chemistry on Screen

In an interview with Extra.ie, McCormack and O’Hara discussed their unique approach to portraying siblings Ellen and Patrick Cochrane. Their existing friendship and history of working together helped them create a believable brother-sister bond. McCormack noted, “We were very lucky that we had worked together before and half of the job was kind of done already.”

The two actors previously collaborated on a film titled Dungeons and Dragons, where they formed a strong friendship that has continued over the years. “When we heard we were both on this job together and also playing brother and sister, we were delighted,” O’Hara remarked. The pair quickly arranged to meet and discuss their characters over a pint of Guinness, drawing on their shared experiences to enhance their performances.

McCormack emphasized that the pre-existing trust between them made it easier to portray the complexities of their characters’ family dynamics. “There was a lot of trust already there for us,” she explained.

A Glimpse into the Guinness Legacy

House of Guinness is set against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York, weaving a narrative inspired by the renowned Guinness family. The series begins shortly after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, which catalyzes a dramatic series of events impacting his four children: Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, as well as the Dubliners connected to the iconic brewery.

Created and written by Steven Knight, the eight-part series features a stellar cast, including Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness, Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness, and James Norton as Sean Rafferty. Other notable actors include Dervla Kirwan as Aunt Agnes Guinness and Danielle Galligan as Lady Olivia Hedges.

The production is a collaboration between Kudos and Nebulastar, with executive producers such as Karen Wilson and Martin Haines. Directors Tom Shankland and Mounia Akl have brought their vision to life, with Cahal Bannon serving as series producer.

With its rich storytelling and compelling characters, House of Guinness is now available for streaming, poised to captivate audiences around the globe.