Irish heartthrob and “Normal People” star Paul Mescal has been one to watch in recent years. Heralded as an up-and-coming talent with a breakthrough Hulu series under his belt, he was going places. Well, it seems he’s officially reached the top of the mountain after snagging a surprise nomination for best actor at the 2023 Oscars. Despite it being his first lead role in a film, Mescal’s moving turn as a single dad in Charlotte Wells’s father-daughter drama “Aftersun” also gained him recognition from BAFTA and the Critics’ Choice Awards.
Mescal’s acting career started mostly on stage, starring in productions like “The Great Gatsby,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and the world premiere of “Asking For It.” However, it was his 2020 television debut in “Normal People” that catapulted him overnight into the public eye. Playing Connell in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel caught the attention of legions of fans for his vulnerability and emotional range as an actor, not to mention his undeniable sex appeal. It also caught the attention of singer Phoebe Bridgers, whom Mescal went on to date and was rumored to be engaged to, but it has been reported, though unconfirmed, the pair split at the end of 2022.
The actor currently stars in “A Streetcar Named Desire” at the Almeida Theatre in London. With rave reviews for that performance, a rumored casting in the “Gladiator” sequel, and this Oscar nomination, there’s no better time to explore the works of this star. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of everywhere you can watch Mescal show off his tremendous talent.