Early Life and Education
Roma Downey was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1960. She grew up in a Catholic family and attended various Catholic schools throughout her childhood. Despite facing financial struggles, Downey developed a passion for performing at a young age.
After completing her secondary education, Downey went on to attend the Brighton Art College in England, where she studied art and design. However, she eventually decided to pursue acting instead and moved to New York City to attend the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.
During her time in New York, Downey worked as a coat check girl and a waitress to make ends meet, but she also appeared in various off-Broadway productions. She eventually caught the attention of producers and landed her first television role on the soap opera "One Life to Live" in the early 1980s.
Acting Career
Roma Downey began her acting career in theater, performing in various productions in her hometown of Derry, Northern Ireland. She then ventured into television, landing minor roles in British shows such as "Covington Cross" and "The Bill."
However, it wasn't until she moved to the United States that her breakthrough role came. She played the character of Jacinta Josephs in the critically acclaimed drama series "The Untouchables." Her performance garnered her a nomination for a CableACE Award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series.
After her success with "The Untouchables," Downey landed roles in other popular TV shows such as "Touched by an Angel" and "A Woman Named Jackie." She also appeared in several TV movies, including "Borrowed Hearts" and "A Child is Missing."
Aside from acting, Downey has also worked behind the scenes as a producer and executive in several TV productions. She co-created the award-winning miniseries "The Bible" and produced its sequel, "A.D. The Bible Continues."
Throughout her career, Downey has been recognized for her talent and contributions in the entertainment industry. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016, and received the Irish Diaspora Award for Arts and Culture in 2018.
Producing Career
Roma Downey's producing career began in 2011 with the launch of Lightworkers Media, a production company she co-founded with her husband, Mark Burnett. The company produces faith and family content and has produced successful television shows, including the miniseries "The Bible" and "A.D. The Bible Continues".
In addition to television shows, Lightworkers Media has produced films, including "Ben-Hur" and "Little Boy". In 2019, Downey and Burnett signed a multi-year deal with MGM Television to develop scripted and unscripted content. The couple is also executive producing a new version of the classic TV show "Touched by an Angel".
Downey's experience in producing faith-based content has also led her to launch a digital platform called "The Prayer Circle" in 2020. The platform provides a community for people to come together and pray for each other.
Overall, Downey's producing career has been focused on producing positive and uplifting content that reflects her faith and values.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Aside from her successful career as an actress and producer, Roma Downey is also known for her philanthropic endeavors. She is a strong believer in giving back to the community and has been involved in various charitable organizations throughout her life.
One of the causes closest to Roma's heart is the fight against cancer. She has worked with organizations such as Stand Up To Cancer and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and prevention.
Roma is also a devout Christian, and her faith has played a significant role in her personal and professional life. She has been actively involved in various Christian organizations, including the Christian Relief Fund, which helps children in impoverished communities around the world.
Another cause that Roma is passionate about is education. She has worked with organizations such as the Children's Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to underprivileged children in the United States, and the Malala Fund, which supports girls' education around the world.
Throughout her career, Roma has always made it a priority to give back to others and use her platform to make a positive impact in the world. Her philanthropic efforts have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the Sharecare Humanitarian Award in 2014.
Net Worth and Achievements
Roma Downey has had a successful career as an actress, producer, and author, which has resulted in a substantial net worth. According to sources, her estimated net worth is around $20 million.
One of Downey's biggest achievements in her career was her role as Monica in the hit television series Touched by an Angel, which ran from 1994 to 2003. She also co-produced the series along with her husband, Mark Burnett.
One of Downey's most recent achievements was co-producing the highly successful mini-series, The Bible, in 2013. The series was a massive hit and was viewed by millions worldwide. She went on to produce several other successful religious-themed shows, such as A.D. The Bible Continues and The Dovekeepers.
Aside from her work in the entertainment industry, Downey is also a best-selling author. She has written several books, including her memoir, Box of Butterflies, which was released in 2018. The book received critical acclaim and was a New York Times best-seller.
With her talent and dedication, Roma Downey has established herself as a respected figure in the entertainment industry and beyond, with numerous achievements to her name.
FAQ
What is Roma Downey's age?
Roma Downey was born on May 6, 1960, which makes her currently 61 years old.
How tall is Roma Downey?
Roma Downey is 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.
