By his own admission, awards season has been bittersweet for Andrew Scott.
Currently basking in a flurry of positive reviews for his starring role in a new Netflix adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley, Scott recently collected the Critics’ Circle Theatre award for his remarkable performance in a contemporary rendering of Chekhov masterpiece Vanya.
But the occasion was tinged with sadness for the Irish star, whose devoted mother Nora passed away with a ‘sudden illness’ in March – shortly before Mother’s Day.
And Scott – who dedicated the award to her memory by telling audience members “she was the source of practically every joyful thing in my life” – admits he felt compelled to immerse himself in work following her recent passing.
‘Well, you know, you have to — life goes on, you manage it day by day,’ he told the Sunday Times.
By his own admission, awards season has been bittersweet for Andrew Scott as he mourns the death of his devoted mother Nora
Nora’s death was confirmed in a statement on March 9, with family members adding that she passed away on Thursday March 7 surrounded by her family at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin
Scott with parents Jim and Nora (left) and his older sister Sarah (right) in an undated photo. Scott dedicated his Critics’ Circle Theatre award to Nora’s memory
‘It’s very recent, but I certainly can say that so much of it is surprising and unique, and there is so much that I will be able to speak about at some point.’
A devoted follower of fashion away from screen and stage, Scott admits his love of clothes came from his mother and her passion for the arts.
‘My mother was an art teacher, she was obsessed with all sorts of design,’ he recalled. ‘She loved jewellery and jewellery design.
‘Anything that is visual, tactile, painting, drawing, is a big passion of mine, so I have tremendous respect for the creativity of designers.’
Despite the tragedy, Scott has attempted to maintain a positive attitude towards both his personal and professional life.
‘I feel like, as a person, I am quite near my emotions,’ he said. ‘I cry easily and I laugh easily, and there is nothing more pleasurable to me than laughing.’
Nora’s death was confirmed in a statement on March 9, with family members adding that she passed away on Thursday March 7 surrounded by her family at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin.
An obituary read: ‘It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Nora Scott (née Boyle), beloved wife of Jim, mother of Sarah, Andrew and Hannah.
Scott recently collected the Critics’ Circle Theatre award for his remarkable performance in a contemporary rendering of Chekhov masterpiece Vanya (pictured)
Scott dedicated the award to her memory by telling audience members “she was the source of practically every joyful thing in my life”
‘Scott, Sandymount, Dublin, formerly Omagh Co. Tyrone, March 7th 2024 peacefully surrounded by her loving family and best friend Anne, in St Vincent’s Hospital following a sudden illness.
‘Nora will be deeply missed by her beloved husband Jim, her loving children Sarah, Andrew and Hannah.’
In 2018, Nora revealed Anthony Hopkins sent her ‘more than three dozen red roses,’ after finding out she was ill when speaking to Scott on the set of King Lear.
Hopkins, 86, starred in the BBC’s Shakespeare adaptation as an ‘English Stalin’ with Scott playing Edgar – who becomes Lear’s secret protector.
She told RTE’s Ryan Tubridy at the time: ‘There was probably more than three dozen red roses and attached to them was a little card from Anthony saying “Be well, sending hugs”, and all sorts of things.’
‘I was thrilled to get such a gift and for the kind thought that promoted it.
‘Now I have recovered, I can enjoy these exquisite roses that grace our hall. It was such a beautiful gift.’
The actor is currently basking in a flurry of positive reviews for his starring role in a new Netflix adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley
In January, Scott and his co-star Paul Mescal admitted they weren’t too keen on their family members watching their new film, gay drama All Of Us Strangers
In January, Scott and his co-star Paul Mescal admitted they weren’t too keen on their family members watching their new film, gay drama All Of Us Strangers.
The movie stars Scott as a screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home who enters into a relationship with a mysterious neighbour, played by Mescal, 27.
The film features several intimate scenes between the actors which the pair discussed during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
Asked if their families had seen the flick yet, Mescal said: ‘With the Irish premiere, trying to allocate tickets to all the aunties and uncles is a tricky business.
‘They have seen my bum before but there is a little more going on in this movie I would say!’
Scott added: ‘I don’t want to be there when my parents watch it!’