FROM Father Ted to EastEnders, Pauline Mclynn has portrayed many memorable characters throughout the years.
Best known for her role as Mrs Doyle, Pauline balances her love for acting with a career as a novelist and a passion for animal rights.
Pauline McLynn, born July 11, 1962, is an Irish actress and best-selling author.
She was born in Sligo, Ireland, and grew up in Galway with her two younger brothers.
McLynn studied modern English and History of Art in Trinity College Dublin and graduated with MA, but decided to pursue an acting career instead.
Pauline is best known for her iconic role as Mrs Doyle in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted, where she coined the catchphrase “Will you have a cup of tea?”
Apart from acting, McLynn is also a novelist, having published books such as The Woman on the Bus and Summer in the City.
Pauline McLynn was in her early thirties when she was cast as Mrs Doyle, the priests’ housekeeper in the sitcom Father Ted.
Since the sitcom, Pauline has appeared in sketches on Bremner, Bird and Fortune, and numerous panel shows, including Just a Minute, Have I Got News for You, and If I Ruled the World.
McLynn was nominated for Best Actress at the Irish Film and Television Awards for her critically acclaimed performance in the 2005 film Gypo.
In 2010, McLynn joined the Channel 4 drama Shameless as Libby Croker.
A year later, she announced she’s leaving the show after a “difficult year”.
McLynn played Mary Whyte in the BBC’s 2013 sitcom Father Figure, before joining the cast of EastEnders in May 2014.
Her character Yvonne Cotton was the mother of Charlie Cotton (Declan Bennett) and ex-daughter-in-law of Dot Branning (June Brown).
In April 2018 she portrayed Sister Mary in the BBC Two biopic Dave Allen At Peace.
In the 2021 film Last Night in Soho, Mclynn appeared as bar landlady Carol.
Her performances over the years have earned her critical acclaim and in 1996, she won a British Comedy Award for Top TV Comedy Actress.
The award was presented to her by Tony Blair.
Pauline McLynn is married to theatrical agent Richard Cook.
The couple tied the knot in 1997, after meeting at an art exhibition.
Pauline doesn’t have any children.
She told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “I can drive but I don’t. I don’t have any kids either, I’m trying to save the planet.”
Pauline is an avid environmentalist and animal rights activist.
She is involved with many charities against the racing and export of greyhounds and is a patron of Littlehill Animal Rescue, Sanctuary in Ireland and Birmingham Greyhound Protection.
