Paul Mescal's mother Dearbhla has said that attending the premiere of his new blockbuster Gladiator II in Dublin was "very emotional".
The long-awaited follow-up to Ridley Scott's 2000 epic is the Maynooth native's first major Hollywood role and it is generating significant anticipation among his fans.
Read more: Mescal 'blown away' by Irish fans at Gladiator II premiere
"Sometimes things are just so huge for you that you just have to soak it all in, and we really, really did. To hear your child's name being shouted and the fabulous music of The Gladiator behind it was pretty awe inspiring."
"I got very emotional, I have to say and he did as well as. It was one of those things where you're sharing this big moment, kind of like a wedding, but there's loads of cameras!", she added.
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The 28-year-old actor has had a rapid ascent to stardom. He graduated from The Lir Academy in Dublin in 2017 and went on to star in The Great Gatsby at The Gate Theatre. Since then he earned a Bafta award for Normal People, an Oscar nomination for Aftersun in 2022 and yet more acclaim for All of Us Strangers in 2023.
Dearbhla said: "I remember him going into The Lir and it is a bit like Monk's School, I have no idea what Monk’s School is like, but I'm guessing it's all-encompassing! You know when you see your child in their lane, doing what they love - that's what I saw even way back then."
"I remember the play he was in and the talented actors that were with him on stage and going, Ireland is so rich with all these incredible actors and I hope he shines.
"That was the hope that your child would shine within the industry that they love."
Read more: Everything you need to know about Gladiator II
Dearbhla said she is "doing wonderfully" now.
"Paul actually invited my doctor to the premiere, so that was so lovely, it was so lovely to see him out of context", she said. "My body has accepted the treatment and is continuing to accept the treatment."
She added of herself and her husband Paul Sr: "The two of us are very lucky, we’re retired and we’re in good health and that’s kind of unusual in your 50s, so I’m feeling very lucky and feeling very blessed.
"My three children are well and I don't think any parent can ask for more than that, to be honest."
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