Angela's Ashes

Background:

Irish actor of TV, film and stage Michael Legge came to the attention of American public with his breakout role of older Frank in Alan Parker's acclaimed movie, “ Angela's Ashes” (1999). The role won him nominations at the London Critics Circle Film and the Young Artist Awards. He picked up a Dallas OUT TAKES Award for his starring role in “Cowboys & Angels” (2003). Legge's TV credits include “Dream Team” (1997-1998), “The Big Bow Wow” (2004), “Omagh” (2004) and “Shameless” (2007-2008). Legge has acted on the London stage every year since 2000.

Newry's Son

Childhood and Family:

Michael Legge was born on December 11, 1978, in Newry, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. He attended St Colman's College, Newry.

Cowboys & Angels

Career:

As a young, Michael Legge was encouraged to act at school by his drama teacher. By age 11, he had started acting professionally.

Legge made his television debut in 1996, at age 20, with the BBC drama “The Precious Blood,” directed by John Woods. He portrayed John Willis, opposite Amanda Burton as Rosie Willis and Kevin McNally as Billy McVea. He moved on to series TV in the following year when he landed the role of Conor McCarthy on the ITV drama “Dream Team.” He was on the show from 1997 to 1998.

After leaving “Dream Team,” Legge made his big screen debut as Store Guard in “Soft Sand, Blue Sea” (1998), a British drama starring Julia Ford and Brendan Coyle. He went on to support Mark Bagnall and Kevin Knapman in the independent drama “Straydogs” (1999) and costar with Tom Courtenay in the Peter Hewitt comedy “Whatever Happened to Harold Smith?” (1999), in which he memorably played Vince Smith.

Legge, however, did not hit the big time until director Alan Parker cast him in the role of older Frank in the Oscar-nominated “Angela's Ashes” (1999). Delivering a bright acting, he took home a 2001 London Critics Circle Film nomination for British Newcomer of the Year and a 2000 Young Artist nomination for Best Performance in an International Film - Young Performer.

Legge disappeared from the screen for a few years to act at the London stage. He made his debut playing Stephen Hammerton in a 2000 production of “Cressida” at the Albery Theatre, which he followed with performances in 2001's “Presence” at the Jerwood Theatre, 2002's “Plasticine” at the Royal Court Theatre, 2003's “Habeas Corpus” at the Abbott Memorial Theatre and 2004-05's “His Dark Materials” at the National Theatre. He also played Aurek at the 2006 production of “Southwark Fair” at the National Theatre.

The Northern Ireland native resurfaced on television in 2002 when he gusted as John King in an episode of “On Home Ground.” He resumed his film career in the next year to star in “Cowboys & Angels” (2003), from which he netted a Dallas OUT TAKES for Best Actor for his role of Shane Butler. He then portrayed LCpl Wilf Saunders in the award-winning made-for-TV film “Dunkirk” (2004) and was cast as in the regular role of Frank in the short-lived series “The Big Bow Wow” (2004). Also in 2004, Legge delivered a memorable turn as Michael Barrett in TV film “Omagh.”

In 2007, Legge joined the cast of the award-winning comedy/drama series “Shameless.” He played Tom O'Leary in 20 episodes until 2008.

Awards:

• Dallas OUT TAKES: Best Actor, “Cowboys & Angels,” 2004