From the sterile environment of a pharmacy to the dynamic world of television and film, Aidan O’Callaghan’s journey is anything but conventional. The Irish actor, who made history as the first performer from the Emerald Isle to appear in both EastEnders and Emmerdale, has been steadily building an impressive portfolio that spans from gritty social dramas to high-fantasy epics like The Witcher: Blood Origin.
Fresh off the success of “A Simple Killing,” which recently claimed Best Short Film at the Waterford International Film Festival and also the prestigious BAFTA and Academy Award-qualifying Foyle Film Festival, Aidan O’Callaghan opens up about his unique approach to acting.
With roles ranging from the controversial Lewis Butler in EastEnders to the warrior elf Kareg in The Witcher: Blood Origin, he brings a fascinating blend of scientific precision and physical preparation to his craft, proving that sometimes the most unexpected backgrounds can create the most compelling performers.
In this candid conversation, Aidan O’Callaghan discusses everything from his unconventional fitness techniques for accessing emotions to his experiences working alongside industry veterans like Joely Richardson and Amanda Abbington, revealing how his journey from behind the pharmacy counter to in front of the camera has shaped his approach to storytelling.
Up And Close With Aidan O’Callaghan
You have a fascinating background as a trained pharmacist who transitioned into acting. How has your scientific background influenced your approach to character development and storytelling?
I believe my journey from pharmacy to acting has been quite the adventure! My pharmacy background instilled a strong sense of discipline and attention to detail,qualities that are essential in both professions I think. When I prepare for a role I think this analytical mindset helps me dive deep into characters, understanding their motivations and psychological makeup. Interacting with diverse patients has deepened my empathy for the human condition, which enriches my performances and as well as great listening skills for sure.
“A Simple Killing” has been gaining significant festival recognition. What drew you to the role of Terry, and how did you approach portraying a character involved in such an emotionally complex narrative?
I was drawn to the role of Terry in A Simple Killing because of the script’s emotional depth and its exploration of domestic abuse themes. Jason Branagan, who directed the film and had worked with me previously, sent me the script, and I was thrilled to collaborate with him again. Working alongside Daphne Cheung and Claire Gavin was an absolute joy; we had great chemistry that helped us navigate those long night shoots and intense scenes.
The recognition we’ve received at festivals, including BAFTA and Oscar-accredited events and winning both the judges and audience award at Waterford Film Festival this year, is incredibly rewarding, for everyone involved in this project. It feels great to know that our hard work is making an impact!
You’ve made history as the first and only Irish actor to appear in both EastEnders and Emmerdale. How do the experiences of working on these iconic British soaps compare, and what have you learned from each?
My time on EastEnders and Emmerdale was transformative and opened so many doors for me as they have been such huge platforms. Working on EastEnders taught me how to work efficiently under pressure for sure; filming multiple episodes per week requires quick memorisation and adaptability as sometimes the script can literally change last minute! You’re in hair and make-up when your script is being changed and also trying to figure out where in the timeline the scene you are doing next. Emmerdale and Eastenders were both so much fun and I loved every minute of them. These roles were incredible stepping stones that led to exciting opportunities in major productions like The Witcher: Blood Origin on Netflix and various film projects. The transition from soaps to high-profile series has been exhilarating and I’m excited to see where my career goes next.
Working on The Witcher was a complete game-changer. The scale is mind-blowing,we’re talking about a massive universe with millions of viewers. The attention to detail, elaborate costumes, and intricate world-building allowed for weeks of meticulous preparation. It’s thrilling to be part of such an expansive fantasy world that has opened up so many opportunities for me and my team. One of the standout memories was working on a man-built ocean front battle scene where we were knee-deep in this huge pool with fire smoke – the adrenaline rush was like nothing else! I’ll never forget it, plus playing a warrior elf was so much fun! As soon as I heard my weapon was going to be an axe I was buzzing.
Your role as Lewis Butler in EastEnders tackled important issues around sexual consent. How do you prepare for roles that address such sensitive and crucial social topics?
Preparing for roles that tackle sensitive topics is a nuanced journey, and I think it requires a thoughtful approach. I believe it’s essential to immerse myself in research to ensure an accurate portrayal while remaining true to the narrative and speak to those directly involved in the social issues where possible – but also remember to build a fully rounded character too and not focus too much on the ‘’social issue’’ but on the character too I’ve found.
You’ve mentioned using fitness, particularly CrossFit and boot camp, to find emotional access points in your acting. Could you elaborate on this unique technique and how it enhances your performances?
Fitness has become an essential part of my acting toolkit, and I’ve found some pretty unconventional ways to use it! You know, sometimes I feel like a mad scientist experimenting with my own body to get into character. For intense scenes, I’ve discovered that getting myself physically out of breath can work wonders. It’s like tricking my body into thinking it’s really in the middle of a high-stakes situation.
I remember on The Witcher set, there was this one particularly intense scene where I needed to be really amped up. I started doing jumping jacks and push-ups and screaming right before each take. By the time they called “Action!”, my heart was racing, I was slightly out of breath, and I felt genuinely keyed up. It added this raw, authentic energy to the performance that I don’t think I could have accessed otherwise and you kind of learn things like that for each role, and I’ve brought that with me into other roles too. I did the same for a scene in The Reckoning of Erin Morrigan and A Simple Killing. I always love to do a CrossFit workout before an audition, the endorphins just give this wave of confidence and buzz. It’s an addiction really and I love it!
In “The Witcher: Blood Origin,” you portrayed Kareg in a fantasy setting. How does preparing for a role in a fantasy series differ from your work in contemporary dramas?
Stepping into the world of The Witcher: Blood Origin was thrilling! Preparing for a fantasy role like Kareg involves immersing myself in an entirely different universe,understanding its lore, magical elements, and cultural nuances is crucial. Unlike contemporary dramas where characters often reflect real-life situations, I feel fantasy roles require balancing authenticity with larger-than-life storytelling
I think creating characters that feel real despite extraordinary circumstances can be quite challenging yet exhilarating; this preparation process pushes me creatively while allowing me to explore new dimensions as an actor. The audition process for The Witcher was intense but I think I still tried to focus on the truth and keep the character grounded in this universe.
For “The Reckoning of Erin Morrigan,” you’re working alongside Olwen Fouéré in a story about Ireland’s complex history. How does being Irish yourself inform your approach to this material?
Being Irish definitely adds layers of depth when tackling stories rooted in our complex history like The Reckoning of Erin Morrigan. The themes we explore,guilt, and redemption,resonate strongly within our cultural narrative, making it deeply personal for me. Working alongside Olwen Fouéré has been inspiring; her talent brings out the best in everyone. My understanding of Ireland’s past informs not only how I portray my character but also how I engage with the story as a whole,ensuring we honour our heritage while telling these vital narratives. I love Irish storytelling. I think they are so fascinating and there are so many stories yet to be told. Exciting times ahead!
Having worked across different formats – from soap operas to fantasy series to short films – which medium do you find most challenging as an actor, and why?
Each medium presents unique challenges! Independent films can be particularly demanding due to their intimate nature,often without extensive takes or setups available compared to major productions like The Witcher, which come with technical complexities requiring adaptation while maintaining authenticity amidst high expectations from audiences. That said, I thrive on these challenges; they push me out of my comfort zone and encourage growth as an actor,whether it’s navigating rapid-fire dialogue on set or embodying fantastical characters within richly crafted worlds. Working on larger platforms like Netflix definitely opens up more interesting fully fleshed-out stories and roles and auditions which I am really grateful for, and excited to see where my career goes next.
Your career has seen you work with established actors like Joely Richardson and Amanda Abbington. What key lessons have you taken from collaborating with such experienced performers?
Working alongside established actors like Joely Richardson and Amanda Abbington has been a fantastic experience. I think what stands out to me is how we’re all there to do a job and contribute to the project as a team. It’s not about one person being more important than another – we’re all pieces of the same puzzle.
What I appreciate most is the sense of camaraderie and mutual respect on set. Whether you’re an experienced actor or newer to the industry, we’re all there to tell a story together. I think that’s the beauty of our profession – it’s a collective effort where everyone’s contribution matters. Adrian Lester was really friendly with me on my first day of The Rook, and I always try to be the same for example on EastEnders I’d often chatted with the supporting artists when I can. I think it creates a pleasant atmosphere. We’ve all worked so hard to get the role and get onset, so there’s always generally that good buzz comradery vibe on set.
Looking ahead, what types of roles and genres are you most eager to explore, and how do experiences in science shape your future career choices?
Looking ahead, I’m particularly eager to delve deeper into more psychological thrillers,the complexity of the human mind fascinates me immensely! Additionally, I’d love the opportunity to take on roles in period dramas; immersing myself in historical contexts offers rich storytelling possibilities that challenge my craft, and I’d love a Hallmark movie too. I’m excited to see what’s next.
I think my experiences in both science and acting shape my future career choices by instilling discipline alongside empathy,all essential qualities for tackling diverse roles across genres! Ultimately, I’m committed to continuing this journey of growth by embracing challenges that push boundaries while contributing meaningful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Photographer – Eddie Blagbrough
Styling – André DeVeaux
Grooming – Nadia Altinbas
