Aidan Quinn Reflects on Influences from Brando to West Cork

Aidan Quinn, a prominent figure in the film industry, shares his journey through acting and the influential figures that shaped his career. Born in Chicago and raised in Dublin and Birr, the 66-year-old actor is known for his roles in iconic films such as The Mission, Legends of the Fall, and Michael Collins. Currently, he stars in The Walsh Sisters, airing Sunday nights at 21:30 on RTÉ One.

Early Influences and Discovering Theatre

Quinn’s passion for acting took root in an unconventional manner. His father, a literature professor, introduced him to Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot at the age of nine, thrusting him into the world of theatre. “I read it, and I couldn’t understand what they were talking about,” Quinn recalls. “Then, rehearsals started, and the cast were all hippies, giggling and disappearing outside.” This early experience ignited his enthusiasm for acting, leading him to explore theatre further.

After completing high school in the United States, Quinn returned to Dublin in 1977, hoping to be a writer. He soon began attending lunchtime theatre performances at Trinity College Dublin, where he sampled plays by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory. “For £1.50, you’d get a hunk of cheese, a piece of white bread, soup, and your lunchtime play as well,” he reminisces, highlighting how these experiences fed his appetite for drama.

Memorable Performances and Iconic Figures

Quinn recalls a memorable family trip through West Cork and Kerry, driving through the countryside with his parents and siblings. “The fights in the backseat were fierce, and the laughter was constant,” he says. A highlight of that trip was watching The Liberty Suit, directed by Jim Sheridan, which delved into the Irish prison system. The production deeply impacted Quinn, prompting him to consider pursuing a career in theatre.

Hamlet, a role he has embraced, resonates with Quinn on a personal level. “There’s no more engrossing character to play on stage than Hamlet,” he explains. “I had a lot of his angst bred into me.” His approach to this iconic role varies each night, creating a unique experience for every audience. Quinn’s talent shines through, showcasing his deep understanding of the character’s complexity.

He also recalls seeing Donal McCann perform in The Steward of Christendom, a moment that left him spellbound. “I completely forgot where I was,” he recalls. “It was incredible.” This performance served as a pivotal moment, reinforcing Quinn’s desire to immerse himself in the world of theatre.

Quinn’s admiration for legendary actors like Marlon Brando is palpable. He describes Brando’s work in films like Last Tango in Paris as captivating. “He had incredible charisma, intelligence, and the capacity for deep emotions and tragedy,” Quinn states, reflecting on the profound influence Brando had on his generation.

In addition to Brando, Quinn credits comedian Richard Pryor as a significant influence during his upbringing. Pryor’s ability to weave humor into personal struggles resonated with Quinn and his peers. “We would go to his shows in the cinema, sometimes consecutive nights,” he recalls. “He captured the difficulties of growing up in a relatable way.”

Quinn’s friendship with comedian Billy Connolly has afforded him unique experiences as well. Sharing stories of gatherings in Connolly’s Scottish home, he recalls evenings filled with laughter alongside notable figures like Robin Williams and Sean Connery. “At the end of that week, I had stomach muscles I’d never had, just from laughing,” he says, illustrating the joy these gatherings brought him.

Quinn’s literary interests also shaped his perspective. He reflects on his obsession with J.P. Donleavy’s The Ginger Man, which resonated with his identity as a Yank living in Ireland. The humor and insights into Irish culture captivated him during his youth.

His initial encounter with James Joyce’s Ulysses was marked by a surreal experience. “I first tried reading it at 18, and I woke up hearing horses clanking down the road,” he recalls. It took nearly 50 years for him to finish the book, aided by Jim Norton’s audiobook, which helped him appreciate Joyce’s musicality and dialects.

Quinn’s journey through the world of acting and theatre has been profoundly shaped by his experiences, friendships, and the iconic figures he has encountered. As he continues to share his passion for storytelling, audiences remain captivated by the rich tapestry of influences that have defined his career.