Amybeth McNulty

Born in Donegal, Ireland, on November 7, 2001, Amybeth McNulty’s mixed heritage comes from her Irish father and Canadian mother, granting her dual citizenship in both countries. Raised in the rural settings of Ireland, she developed a love for literature and a patient demeanor. Notably, “Anne of Green Gables” was among her cherished childhood reads, a novel whose adaptation she would later headline.

Educated at home by her parents, McNulty has spoken about how online schooling didn’t hinder her academic learning, instead cultivating self-discipline and creative thought. Her artistic pursuits included ballet and acting classes, and she participated in local theatrical productions. A significant early role for her was playing a flounder in a Letterkenny theater at age eight. Subsequently, McNulty appeared in radio dramas and theatrical plays.

McNulty’s initial steps in her acting career took place in Letterkenny, Ireland. During her teenage years, she took part in musicals at local theaters, remembered for her performances in amateur renditions of “The Little Mermaid” and “The Sound of Music.” At 13, she caught the attention of the producers of “Agatha Raisin,” landing the role of the lead character’s younger version, debuting in 2014. Yet, her breakthrough came with the series “Anne with an E.”

The main role audition saw around 1800 contestants. McNulty recalls the casting process as intricate and thrilling. At 15, she had to simulate conversations with flowers and trees, and construct thrones out of branches, showcasing her expressive range. Her genuine and heartfelt acting impressed the directors, earning her the pivotal role. She starred alongside Geraldine James, Dalila Bela, Corrine Koslo, and Cory Gruter-Andrew.

McNulty first read “Anne of Green Gables” at eight. Her affection for the book aided her in embodying the series’ protagonist. In the show, Anne, an orphan, is mistakenly sent to adoptive parents seeking a foster son for farm labor.

The series delved into themes like gender and class disparity, orphan abuse, and child labor exploitation. McNulty revealed her great-grandmother, on her mother’s side, had been a servant, enduring trials similar to her character’s. “Anne with an E” was critically acclaimed and beloved by viewers, catapulting McNulty to fame. In the series, Anne’s character is red-haired, leading audiences to misinterpret McNulty as a real redhead, though Amybeth McNulty’s natural hair color is light brown.

The show ran from 2017 to 2019, spanning three seasons. Despite its popularity and support from celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Sam Smith, it was discontinued. McNulty’s fans campaigned for its continuation but were unsuccessful. Post-project, she won awards from the Canadian Screen Awards in 2018 and the ACTRA Toronto Awards for a leading role in 2019. In 2022, she joined the cast of “Stranger Things” Season 4, alongside Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Maya Hawke, and others.

McNulty is open about her personal life. At 19, she moved to London, where she resides with her boyfriend, British actor Louis Hynes. A frequent attendee at cultural events and award ceremonies, she is also known for her advocacy for animal rights and her vegetarian lifestyle. She famously declined a role in “Game of Thrones” due to the use of real fur.

McNulty, known for her Irish-Canadian ancestry, has mentioned Scottish roots in her family tree. Active on social media, she shares personal details with her followers, including her coming out as bisexual.