---
name: "Michelle Fairley"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/michelle-fairley"
fi1m_id: "michelle-fairley"
imdb_id: "nm0265610"
tmdb_id: 20057
wikidata_id: "Q262898"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "11 July 1963"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 11
average_fi1m_score: 75
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 11
updated: "2026-10-07T18:43:57.164191+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Michelle Fairley

## Identity

Michelle Fairley

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/michelle-fairley
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** michelle-fairley
- **IMDb ID:** nm0265610
- **TMDB ID:** 20057
- **Wikidata ID:** Q262898
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Fairley, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q262898, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0265610/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/20057

Actor. Born 11 July 1963 in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 11 July 1963, Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK
- **Active:** 1996–present
- **Also known as:** Michelle Margaret Fairley
- **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 11 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 2000s 80 (2), 2010s 72 (6), 2020s 77 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 77 to 74 across 9 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 7 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 9 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 9, Action & Adventure 2, Comedy 2, Crime 2, Mystery 2, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 2
- **Screen time:** 12 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,280m across 5 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Fairley, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q262898, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0265610/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/20057

## Streaming the US now

- **AMC+:** [*The Others*](https://film.one/film/the-others.md) (80), [*Gangs of London*](https://film.one/tv/gangs-of-london.md) (74)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Philomena*](https://film.one/film/philomena.md) (82)
- **HBO Max:** [*Game of Thrones*](https://film.one/tv/game-of-thrones.md) (82)
- **Hulu:** [*Small Things Like These*](https://film.one/film/small-things-like-these.md) (79)
- **Netflix:** [*How to Get to Heaven from Belfast*](https://film.one/tv/how-to-get-to-heaven-from-belfast.md) (78)
- **The Roku Channel:** [*The Invisible Woman*](https://film.one/film/the-invisible-woman.md) (67)
- **Tubi:** [*Responsible Child*](https://film.one/film/responsible-child.md) (66)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Michelle Fairley

> Michelle Fairley is persuasive as women accustomed to being obeyed, with a control that makes their anger matter. We rate her highly, though the repeated casting as formidable mothers risks narrowing what she gets to do.

In *Small Things Like These* (2024), Michelle Fairley's Mrs Wilson has kept Bill's unmarried mother on as a servant when other women in her position were sent away. The widow has authority, and the important thing here is the kindness she can do with it. It is a useful part through which to consider an actor repeatedly cast as formidable mothers and matriarchs. We value Fairley's control, though we would like casting directors to ask more often what else she can do.

Her theatre background helps explain that control, but the screen breakthrough was *Game of Thrones* (2011), with three seasons as Catelyn Stark. The emotional force she brings to rage and loss helps explain why the protective mother became such a defining role. *Gangs of London* (2020) casts her as Marian Wallace, another matriarch, now within a crime family. There is a risk in returning to similar parts so often, however convincingly she plays them. We want the parts to test her, rather than simply rely on her being formidable.

In Tim Mielants's *Small Things Like These*, the problem is how often the film returns to Mrs Wilson's house to explain Bill's childhood. Editor Alain Dessauvage's cuts settle into a pattern: the adult Bill looks pained, then we see the boy. We grew impatient because those returns took time away from the present, where we wanted more of Eileen Walsh's Eileen after her kitchen-table scene. That is a complaint about the storytelling, not a charge against Fairley. The film's careful construction and Murphy's restrained performance still make it worth seeing, despite the over-explanation.

Fairley plays Margo in Lisa McGee's *How to Get to Heaven from Belfast* (2026), a mystery-comedy sustained by three convincing friends and a welcome lack of dignity. We recommend it with a warning that the plotting wanders and some of the silliness feels compulsory. The company gives it enough warmth to keep us watching. For Fairley, more work in comic company is an appealing prospect; there should be other uses for that control besides keeping a family in order.

## Biography

Michelle Fairley is a Northern Irish actress. She was born on 11 July 1963 in Coleraine, County Londonderry.

She trained with the Ulster Youth Theatre and began her career in theatre, appearing in productions including *Oleanna* at the Royal Court and earning an Olivier Award nomination for her role as Emilia in *Othello* at the Donmar Warehouse. Fairley is best known for playing Catelyn Stark in the HBO series *Game of Thrones* (2011–2013). Her other notable credits include Mrs Granger in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1* (2010), Ava Hessington in *Suits* (2013), Margot Al-Harazi in *24: Live Another Day* (2014), Marian Wallace in *Gangs of London* (2020–) and Princess Augusta in *Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story* (2023).

More recent roles include Mrs Wilson in the film *Small Things Like These* (2024) and Margo in the series *How to Get to Heaven from Belfast* (2026).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (11)

- *How to Get to Heaven from Belfast* (2026), Fi1m 78, as Margo — [page](https://film.one/tv/how-to-get-to-heaven-from-belfast.md)
- *Small Things Like These* (2024), Fi1m 79, as Mrs. Wilson — [page](https://film.one/film/small-things-like-these.md)
- *Gangs of London* (2020), Fi1m 74, as Marian Wallace — [page](https://film.one/tv/gangs-of-london.md)
- *Responsible Child* (2019), Fi1m 66, as Kerry — [page](https://film.one/film/responsible-child.md)
- *Common* (2014), Fi1m 70, as Shelagh — [page](https://film.one/film/common.md)
- *Philomena* (2013), Fi1m 82, as Sally Mitchell — [page](https://film.one/film/philomena.md)
- *The Invisible Woman* (2013), Fi1m 67, as Caroline Graves — [page](https://film.one/film/the-invisible-woman.md)
- *Game of Thrones* (2011), Fi1m 82, as Catelyn Stark — [page](https://film.one/tv/game-of-thrones.md)
- *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1* (2010), Fi1m 67, as Mrs. Granger — [page](https://film.one/film/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1.md)
- *Misfits* (2009), Fi1m 80, as Louise Young — [page](https://film.one/tv/misfits.md)
- *The Others* (2001), Fi1m 80, as Mrs. Marlish — [page](https://film.one/film/the-others.md)

## Complete filmography (76)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *No Ordinary Heist* (2026), as Mags Fulton
- *How to Get to Heaven from Belfast* (2026), series, as Margo — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/how-to-get-to-heaven-from-belfast.md)
- *Whistle* (2026), as Ivy Raymore
- *Nazis, U-boats and the Battle for the Atlantic* (2025), series, as Narrator
- *Small Things Like These* (2024), as Mrs. Wilson — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/small-things-like-these.md)
- *The Trap* (2023), as Michelle
- *The Gone* (2023), series, as Judge Hannah Martin
- *Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story* (2023), series, as Princess Augusta
- *Nobody Has to Know* (2022), as Millie
- *An Irish Goodbye* (2022), as Grainne (voice)
- *The Road to Partition* (2021), series, as Narrator
- *The Road to Partition* (2021), as Narrator
- *Lesson 7* (2020), as Max
- *Gangs of London* (2020), series, as Marian Wallace — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/gangs-of-london.md)
- *Responsible Child* (2019), as Kerry — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/responsible-child.md)
- *The Feed* (2019), series, as Meredith Hatfield
- *The Trap* (2019), as Michelle
- *To Provide All People* (2018), as Intensive Care Nurse
- *National Theatre Live: Julius Caesar* (2018), as Caius Cassius
- *The White Princess* (2017), series, as Margaret Beaufort
- *Edith* (2016), as Shelia
- *Rebellion* (2016), series, as Dolly Butler
- *In the Heart of the Sea* (2015), as Mrs. Nickerson
- *Fortitude* (2015), series, as Freya Lennox
- *Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero* (2014), series, as Queen Igneous (voice)
- *Montana* (2014), as DCI Rachel Jones
- *Common* (2014), as Shelagh — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/common.md)
- *Resurrection* (2014), series, as Margaret Langston
- *Ironclad 2: Battle for Blood* (2014), as Joan De Vesci
- *The Invisible Woman* (2013), as Caroline Graves — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/film/the-invisible-woman.md)
- *Philomena* (2013), as Sally Mitchell — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/philomena.md)
- *Crossing Lines* (2013), series, as Sophie Baines
- *Suits* (2011), series, as Ava Hessington
- *Game of Thrones* (2011), series, as Catelyn Stark — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/game-of-thrones.md)
- *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1* (2010), as Mrs. Granger — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/film/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1.md)
- *Chatroom* (2010), as Rosie
- *Anton Chekhov's The Duel* (2010), as Marya
- *Cup Cake* (2010), as Annie McNabb
- *Misfits* (2009), series, as Louise Young — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/misfits.md)
- *Best: His Mother's Son* (2009), as Ann Best
- *A Short Stay in Switzerland* (2009), as Mrs. Savery
- *Lark Rise to Candleford* (2008), series, Actor
- *The Golden Hour* (2005), series, as Julia Harper
- *Ahead of the Class* (2005), as Sonia Venning
- *24* (2001), series, as Margot Al-Harazi — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/24.md)
- *The Others* (2001), as Mrs. Marlish — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/the-others.md)
- *McCready and Daughter* (2001), series, as Bernadette
- *In Deep* (2001), series, as Phoebe
- *Rebus* (2000), series, as Janice Mee
- *The Second Death* (2000), as Aisling
- *Births, Marriages and Deaths* (1999), series, as Pat
- *Vicious Circle* (1999), as Frances
- *Hideous Kinky* (1999), as Patricia
- *A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries* (1998), as Miss O'Shaunessy
- *The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling* (1997), series, as Mrs, Fitzpatrick
- *The Broker's Man* (1997), series, as Gabby Rodwell
- *Midsomer Murders* (1997), series, as Iris Holman — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/midsomer-murders.md)
- *Safe And Sound* (1996), series, as Eleanor Delaney
- *The Precious Blood* (1996), as Jean McBride
- *Silent Witness* (1996), series, as D.I. Suzy Harte
- *A Mug's Game* (1996), series, as Kathy Cowan
- *Life After Life* (1995), as Roisin Donaghy
- *Cardiac Arrest* (1994), series, as Casualty Sister Karen Teller
- *Comics* (1993), series, as Nula O'Reilly
- *The Long Roads* (1993), as Fiona Gibbons
- *Flea Bites* (1992), as Sharon
- *Force of Duty* (1991), as Jenny
- *Hidden Agenda* (1990), as Teresa Doyle
- *4 Play* (1989), series, as Maureen
- *Saracen* (1989), series, as Maeve
- *Crossfire* (1988), as Scanlon's Girl
- *Hidden City* (1987), as Cleaner
- *Casualty* (1986), series, as Kathy Emerick, Kate Maguire — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/casualty.md)
- *ScreenPlay* (1986), series, as Jenny
- *Lovejoy* (1986), series, as Nancy Phelan
- *Screen Two* (1985), series, as Jean McBride, Roisin Donaghy, Fiona Gibbons - Liverpool

## Gallery

- ![Michelle Fairley](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-dceef9642600.jpg) Michelle Fairley — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Michelle_Fairley_by_Gage_Skidmore_2_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-Michelle_Fairley_by_Gage_Skidmore_2_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![George R.R. Martin, Alfie Allen, Rose Leslie, Richard Madden, Michelle Fairley, Carolyn Strauss, Emilia Clarke. (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-24078c4e14b0.jpg) George R.R. Martin, Alfie Allen, Rose Leslie, Richard Madden, Michelle Fairley, Carolyn Strauss, Emilia Clarke. (2012) — owlandbear, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/Cast_members_of_Game_of_Thrones_%28Comic-Con_2012%29.jpg/1280px-Cast_members_of_Game_of_Thrones_%28Comic-Con_2012%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![The cast of Game of Thrones speaking at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribute](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-b61a494f03e4.jpg) The cast of Game of Thrones speaking at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribute — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Game_of_Thrones_cast_%289348082233%29.jpg/1280px-Game_of_Thrones_cast_%289348082233%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![The cast of Game of Thrones at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage ](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-e0c8765af169.jpg) The cast of Game of Thrones at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage  — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Game_of_Thrones_cast_at_2013_San_Diego_Comic-Con.jpg/1280px-Game_of_Thrones_cast_at_2013_San_Diego_Comic-Con.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Michelle Fairley](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-79abf175adaf.jpg) Michelle Fairley — Image via TMDB
- ![Michelle Fairley](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-12ad3fce4196.jpg) Michelle Fairley — Image via TMDB
- ![Michelle Fairley](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-c885e5a16a88.jpg) Michelle Fairley — Image via TMDB
- ![The cast of Game of Thrones at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage ](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-875c33f02960.jpg) The cast of Game of Thrones at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage  — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Game_of_Thrones_cast_at_2013_San_Diego_Comic-Con_%282%29.jpg/1280px-Game_of_Thrones_cast_at_2013_San_Diego_Comic-Con_%282%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![The cast of Game of Thrones at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage ](https://film.one/media/person/10623/gallery-1b16cf0f7bb7.jpg) The cast of Game of Thrones at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage  — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Game_of_Thrones_cast_at_2013_San_Diego_Comic-Con_%282%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-Game_of_Thrones_cast_at_2013_San_Diego_Comic-Con_%282%29_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/michelle-fairley