Conor O’Donnell has shared his excitement at the return of Bad Sisters on AppleTV+.
The actor, who plays Michael in the dark comedy, has shared his experience of working with the talented cast on the hit show.
“They are incredible people to work with,” he says of his castmates.
“Sharon Horgan is really amazing to work with – she is really funny, and she helped me with my lines.”
Conor adds that she gave him a special gift on the set of season one.
“She organised a big surprise for me for my 18th birthday, a signed Ireland rugby jersey from her brother Shane Horgan.”
He adds that the whole crew, including the director, have been kind and supportive. “Dearbhla Walsh was so encouraging to me, especially during my first time being involved in a TV series.
“I was over 18 for the filming of series two, so I got to hang out more with the adult actors in the green room.
“They were really inclusive, and I had a great laugh travelling to and from the set with them!”
Conor with Sarah Greene and Eva Birthistle
Conor had his sights set on the spotlight from a young age: “I always wanted to become an actor,” he says.
“I started the Stage Academy, Newbridge when I was only six.
“My drama teacher Paula Conlan spotted my potential and really encouraged me to do the Leinster School of Music and Drama exams.
“I got First Class Honours in all of my exams and I also won the President’s Medal for outstanding performance from Griffith College, which made myself and my parents so proud.”
Conor landed the role of Ursula’s son Michael after his agent spotted the call-out.
“My agent Katie Conlan saw an ad for Bad Sisters, Series 1.
“They wanted to find a person with Down syndrome in their teens, who could take direction and act.
“I was called for an audition in Barry’s Hotel during Covid with director Dearbhla Walsh.
“Dearbhla and her team interviewed me and asked me to say a couple of lines including ‘I want flan!’
“I got on great with everyone and they offered me the part.
“I was thrilled with myself! I did 104 days of filming on set in series 1 and some of the locations were Belfast, London and Dublin.”
There are plenty of highlights for the actor:
“I loved every moment of working on this TV Show.
“I especially loved getting to know the people on set, knowing my cues, staying focused and doing a good job.
“Can you believe that the Bad Sister’s crew sent a limo to my house in Newbridge one day, to bring me to Dublin for a hair-cut [for continuity]?
“Another day in London, the chauffeur arrived with his Mercedes Benz to bring me to the set and his seats had a back massager.
“I loved it and it made me giggly; and I had everyone on set in stitches laughing when I told the story!
“I also loved having my own caravan with the name Michael on the door.
“The whole experience made me feel that I want to go to Hollywood some day!”
When Conor isn’t busy on set, he’s in college and involved in Down Syndrome Ireland.
Currently, he is studying a Certificate in Arts, Science and Inclusive Practice in Trinity College.
He balances the 2-year full-time course with time on the National Advisory Council in Down Syndrome Ireland where he holds the role of treasurer.
The National Advisory Council consists of adults with Down syndrome who advise and makes recommendations to DSI.
Conor has also worked as a Cara volunteer at Barretstown.
“Conor is a wonderful young man who is achieving so much.
“Seeing him acting in Bad Sisters, as well as studying in Trinity and working with us on the NAC is a true testament to his many talents.
“Conor is a brilliant role model to people of all ages and we’re proud to have him on the NAC and as a member of Down Syndrome Ireland,” says Nichola Aylward CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland.
Speaking about how he balances it all, Conor takes it in his stride, adding: “I love being busy and having lots of things on the go!”
When it comes to future plans, Conor wants to continue his career in the arts, but it’s clear the sky’s the limit for him.
“My hope for the future is to keep going with my acting career, when I finish in Trinity College Dublin.
“I’m open to all possibilities. I’m living my best life right now!”