Births on May 6

Roma Downey, Irish-American actress and producer

Roma Downey, an accomplished actress, prolific producer, and gifted author, hails from the vibrant city of Derry, Northern Ireland. Her career, spanning several decades, has left an indelible mark on television and film, often characterized by roles that resonate with themes of hope, faith, and inspiration. Downey's journey from the stages of Ireland to the global entertainment landscape is a testament to her versatile talent and enduring commitment to storytelling that uplifts and connects with audiences worldwide.

A Breakthrough Role: Monica in Touched by an Angel

Many across the globe first came to know Roma Downey through her endearing portrayal of Monica, the tender-hearted angelic probationer, in the immensely popular CBS television series, Touched by an Angel. For nine seasons, from 1994 to 2003, Downey's character, under the watchful guidance of her supervisor Tess (played by the beloved Della Reese), brought comfort, guidance, and divine intervention to countless individuals facing life's myriad challenges. This iconic role not only cemented her status as a household name but also earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress, highlighting her ability to convey profound emotion and grace on screen.

Transition to Producing: Crafting Stories of Faith and Inspiration

While her acting prowess earned her widespread acclaim, Downey's career trajectory expanded significantly into production, where she found a new avenue to tell meaningful stories. Partnering with her husband, Mark Burnett, a renowned television producer, she became the President of Lightworkers Media, the family and faith division of MGM. This collaboration marked a pivotal moment, allowing Downey to lead the creation of content that aligns with her values and deeply connects with audiences.

Major Productions and Impactful Projects

Among their most notable joint ventures is the Emmy-nominated miniseries The Bible, which Downey not only produced for the History Channel but also starred in as Mary, the revered mother of Jesus. This ambitious project captured the attention of over 100 million people in the United States alone, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Their production efforts extended to a range of other significant projects, reflecting a commitment to narratives that explore faith, history, and human perseverance:

• Feature Films: Downey and Burnett executive-produced several feature films, including Ben-Hur (starring Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, and Morgan Freeman), Son of God (2014), Little Boy, Woodlawn, Resurrection, Messiah, and Country Ever After (aired in 2021). These films often combined compelling storytelling with inspiring themes.
• Television Series and Miniseries: Their work for television continued with adaptations like The Dovekeepers for CBS, based on the bestselling book by Alice Hoffman; A.D. The Bible Continues for NBC; Women of the Bible for Lifetime; and Answered Prayers for TLC.
• Documentary and Short Film: Downey also served as executive producer for the documentary Faithkeepers, which sheds light on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East, and the short film Rough, which garnered the IFTA for Best Short Film in 2021.

Beyond her iconic role as Monica, Downey also graced the stage, performing with the esteemed Abbey Theatre and appearing in productions both on and off Broadway. She took on the challenging leading role of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the miniseries A Woman Named Jackie for NBC, showcasing her range as an actress. Additionally, she starred in and executive-produced a number of successful television movies for the CBS network, further solidifying her diverse contributions to the industry.

A Legacy of Honors and Influence

Roma Downey's significant contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous accolades and honors throughout her distinguished career:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame: On August 11, 2016, Downey was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her exceptional work as an actress and producer. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, she dedicated her star to the people of Derry, her hometown, and to anyone who has ever "walked Hollywood Boulevard with a dream in their hearts," embodying the spirit of aspiration and resilience.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2021, she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring impact at the International Christian Film & Music Festival, celebrating her dedication to faith-based storytelling.
• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): Also in 2021, Downey was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. This esteemed British honor recognized her profound services to the Arts, Drama, and to the Community in Northern Ireland, acknowledging her cultural impact and philanthropic efforts.
• Industry Recognition: Her influence in Hollywood has not gone unnoticed by industry publications. Variety recognized Downey and her husband, Mark Burnett, as "Trailblazers" and included Downey among "100 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood." The Hollywood Reporter listed the couple in their "Most Influential People of 2013" and recognized Downey as one of "100 Women in Entertainment Power" in 2014. She was further honored on Variety's "Women of Impact in 2014."

Beyond the Screen: Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Beyond her thriving career in entertainment, Roma Downey is also a dedicated philanthropist. She serves as an ambassador for Operation Smile, an international medical charity that provides free surgeries for children born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities. Her commitment to this cause reflects her compassionate nature and desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children around the world. Her philanthropic efforts, alongside her artistic endeavors, underscore her belief in the power of hope and healing, both on and off the screen.

FAQs

What is Roma Downey most famous for?

Roma Downey is widely known for her starring role as Monica, the angel, in the CBS television series Touched by an Angel. She also gained significant recognition for producing and starring as Mary, mother of Jesus, in The Bible miniseries for the History Channel.

Is Roma Downey still acting?

While Roma Downey continues to take on select acting roles, her career has significantly expanded into executive producing, particularly through Lightworkers Media, the family and faith division of MGM, which she leads with her husband, Mark Burnett.

What awards and honors has Roma Downey received?

Roma Downey has received numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2016), the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Christian Film & Music Festival (2021), and was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2021 for her services to the Arts, Drama, and Community in Northern Ireland. She also earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Best Actress nominations for her role in Touched by an Angel.

What is Lightworkers Media?

Lightworkers Media is the family and faith division of MGM, where Roma Downey serves as President. Under her leadership, along with her husband Mark Burnett, the company produces a wide range of inspiring and faith-based content, including films like Son of God and miniseries such as The Bible and A.D. The Bible Continues.

What is Roma Downey's connection to Derry, Northern Ireland?

Roma Downey hails from Derry, Northern Ireland. She often speaks fondly of her roots and dedicated her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the people of Derry, among others, demonstrating her strong connection to her homeland and community.

What is Operation Smile?

Operation Smile is an international medical charity for which Roma Downey serves as an ambassador. It provides free, safe surgeries to children born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities, helping them live healthier and more fulfilling lives.