Pauline McLynn

Pauline McLynn studied art history and English literature at Trinity College in Dublin, and her involvement with the school's drama society set her on the path toward becoming an actor. After graduating, she performed extensively on stage in Galway and Dublin and eventually worked in Irish television sitcoms like "Nothing to It?" Radio work followed: she performed all the female roles on the political satire show "Scrap Saturday," hosted by Dermot Morgan. But her role as prudish housekeeper Mrs. Doyle on the popular sitcom "Father Ted," also starring Morgan, became her breakout role. Post-"Father Ted," she returned to political/social satire on the long-running show "Bremner, Bird and Fortune," appearing in the "dinner party" sketches. She has also appeared in feature films, usually in small roles, including the sweeping epic "Far and Away," the comedy "When Brendan Met Trudy," and the film adaptation of Frank McCourt's memoir "Angela's Ashes." Her most notable feature work, though, is in the Dogme-approved British film "Gypo," playing a working class mother who befriends a Czech Romany refugee. McLynn is also a successful novelist, having written several humorous mystery novels and stand-alone books. In 2010, McLynn starred as Libby Croker in the comedy series "Shameless."