Archaeological Institute of America

Gabriel Byrne, Cultural Ambassador, Ireland

Actor, writer, director, and producer Gabriel Byrne is renowned for his distinguished work as a stage, screen, and television actor in numerous roles both historical and contemporary. Born in Dublin, he studied archaeology and linguistics at University College, Dublin. Mr. Byrne began his acting career in Ireland’s famed Abbey Theatre, and later joined London’s Royal National Theatre. He has appeared in memorable films such as Miller’s Crossing, and in the Broadway stage productions of A Moon for The Misbegotten, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award, and A Touch of the Poet, for which he won an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play. Most recently, his role as Dr. Paul Weston in the HBO hit series In Treatment has garnered him critical acclaim and both an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe Award.

In 2010, the Irish Government named Mr. Byrne their Cultural Ambassador. He has long-standing and strong ties to the creative communities in both Ireland and the United States and is uniquely suited to the task of strengthening the cultural relationship between Ireland and America. He will be taking a lead role, throughout 2011, in supporting and promoting Irish artists in the U. S., and in celebrating and fostering a deeper understanding of Irish archaeology, history, and culture.

We thank Mr. Byrne for sharing this special evening with us.