After playing a teenager in Northern Ireland, Saoirse-Monica Jackson is hell-bent on doing something different.
The Decameronpremieres on Netflix July 25.
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Even as the show earned accolades, Jackson was riddled with insecurities about her place in the industry.
I get anxiety sometimes thinking about my early 20s, Jackson says.
It feels like one big panic attack one big blur of messy mistakes.
Shes funny and has the key in of self-effacing charm that puts people around her at ease.
I have terrible table manners, she says.
it’s possible for you to eat with your foot if you like.
Derry Girlswas, without question, the best thing that ever happened to me, Jackson says.
Becoming Erin Quinn changed everything.
But Jackson worried inDerry Girlss aftermath that the show might limit her professionally.
Would her famous gurning get her typecast in broad, slapstick-comedy roles?
I didnt need to know anything else, Jackson says.
That show,The Decameron,comes out in late July.
When the going gets tough, Jackson says, youll either laugh or youll cry.
The only way to be noticed by adults was by being funny, she says.
you’ve got the option to look at that in two ways: character building or neglect.
Jackson emulated Robin Williams as a child; his performance in the opening scenes ofMrs.
Doubtfiremade her want to become a voice actor.
Her parents were supportive of her dreams, so much so she never thought shed need a plan B. Jackson, meanwhile, says she knew the series would be a hit from the start.
I was a wee smarty-pants, she says.
But not even Jackson could have anticipated the pop-cultural phenomenonDerry Girlsbecame.
Working onDerry Girlsand other shows in the U.K. meant she was never far from her family.
You really hope that your castmates are playful and that its a fun experience.
She cared for Misia in a way that no one else could.
Shes a master class, Mamet says.
She looks at you and she just cracks you open.
Jackson and Mamet were encouraged to improvise, and they could riff off each other for ages.
We both come from a similar place where we didnt set out to be comedic actors, says Mamet.
But the industry sort of molded us to be that and I guess guided us in that way.
Hale was cast as one of the villas few remaining servants, a bumbling but amiable steward named Sirisco.
She has an incredibly quick wit, Hale says.
When she first saw him, he was wearing a Santa suit; it was October.
Jackson thought, Thats the man for me.
They both appreciate the benefits of a smaller city, where youre not running about all the time.
I dont mean to brag, but I am exceptional at air hockey, she says.
Its how she lets off steam that, as well as exercise and a good night out.
Shes also absolutely obsessed with television.
I will tell you Ive never met anybody who watches as much television as I do, she says.
I love nothing more than a Saturday where I just kill the blinds and binge.
Its maybe part of my creative process, she says.
Excitement, panic, relax.
Its exhausting doing that over and over again.
Maybe well talk in a couple years and youll be like, Are you still doing that?
Ill have to let you know.
She just turned 30, and she has high hopes for the next decade.
Ive heard its the best era.
They all give less of a fuck than I do.
Im really looking forward to that happening, but I havent really had it kick in yet.
When does that kick in, not giving a fuck?
When does that happen?
Production Credits
Thank you for subscribing and supporting our journalism.
