Actress with Irish upbringing works to bring female perspectives to film

by Camille D'Arienzo

NCR Contributor

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Sr. Camille: The first I learned of you came from your request to connect with Siobhan Byrne O'Connor, whom I featured in a conversation here some time ago. (Reminder to readers: Siobhan is the supervising producer and occasional writer for my favorite television drama, "Blue Bloods.")

 

Deirdre, what is it about this series that appeals to you?

 

Brennan: Initially, a variety of reasons. Len Cariou, whom I know from Friars Club, plays the dad in the series, and its executive producer is a fellow Quaker and University of Pennsylvania alumnus, Leonard Goldberg. I was drawn in the by the story of a family "on the job"; like many Irish families, our extended one has many members in law enforcement. The personal issues and dynamics between them distinguish the series from the ordinary procedural on TV.

Our initial conversation revealed a delicate Irish brogue.  Did you grow up in Ireland? If so, where?

I was not born there but was already visiting at a few months old. Like Siobhan, I spent my summers growing up in Ireland.

What was life like there?

Ireland is a magical place. I still remember as a kid, upon arriving for the summer . . . .

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