Saoirse Ronan discusses protecting young Hollywood talent and advocates for U.S. voter engagement

Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar-nominated actress celebrated for her roles in “Lady Bird” and “Little Women,” is using her platform to advocate for both young Hollywood talent and the power of civic engagement.

In a recent interview on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Ronan shared her perspective on the challenges facing young actors in the film industry and the importance of political involvement in the upcoming U.S. election.

Born in the Bronx and raised in Ireland, Ronan has gained worldwide acclaim for her performances, recently starring in the films Blitz and The Outrun. She’s also remained actively involved in American elections, even though she splits her time between the U.S. and Ireland.

Married to actor Jack Lowden, who recently received his first Emmy nomination for Slow Horses, Ronan has grounded herself in both personal and professional advocacy. Her commitment to Hollywood’s future extends beyond her own success, and she’s especially driven to make the entertainment industry a safer environment for emerging actors.

Reflecting on her early career, which began at age 13 in Joe Wright’s Atonement, Ronan credits her mother for guiding her through the industry’s challenges and shielding her from exploitative situations. “I was very lucky that I had the mother that I have,” Ronan explained, noting how her mother was steadfast in ensuring her daughter’s well-being despite the pressures of the business. “There are directors who are incredibly manipulative, especially with young actors,” Ronan shared. “It’s fundamentally who a child is to want to please and never say no.”

At 30, Ronan now feels a strong responsibility to help young actors navigate their own paths. She offers her personal support to up-and-coming talents, encouraging them to reach out if they need guidance. “It’s a very lonely place, and it’s a very unnatural environment to grow up in,” she said. “I just want young people to know they can always reach out.”

Ronan’s sense of duty extends beyond Hollywood; she’s a vocal advocate for political involvement, urging Americans to vote in the 2024 election. With deep concerns about recent issues, including rollbacks in reproductive rights and rising hate crimes, she sees voter engagement as a critical factor in shaping the future. “America is such a huge part of how the world operates,” Ronan said. “If you guys go down, a large majority of us will go down.”

Ronan is particularly troubled by violence and intolerance, which have impacted people close to her and disrupted her own feelings of safety. “There are people I’m close to who don’t feel safe,” she shared, highlighting her desire for a society where people can feel secure. As she urges U.S. voters to make their voices heard, her plea is firm: “Please don’t be on the fence. The people who are undecided will sway this election one way or the other.”

Ronan’s two recent films, The Outrun and Blitz, are already generating Oscar buzz and are available in theaters and on streaming platforms, with Blitz set for a streaming release on Apple TV+ on Nov. 22.