Aisling Bea is an Irish stand-up comedian, actor and screenwriter known for her quick wit and sharp writing. Now, she’s getting a bit more heartfelt as she uncovers her family ancestry in the new season of Who Do You Think You Are? Here’s five things you might not know about the comedian...
1. Stage name
Aisling Bea was born Aisling Clíodhnadh O'Sullivan on 16 March 1984 in Kildare, Ireland. Her father Brian died when she was three and she chose the stage name Bea in tribute to him.
2. Comedy and drama
Aisling began her career as a dramatic actor before starting to do stand up comedy in 2011.
3. Trailblazer
In 2012, Aisling became the first woman in 20 years to win the Gilded Balloon So You Think You're Funny? Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
4. Award winner
Aisling wrote and starred in the Channel 4 comedy series This Way Up, where she plays a young woman recovering from a nervous breakdown. In 2020, she won the BAFTA Television Breakthrough Talent Award for the show.
5. Travels in the TARDIS
In 2022, Aisling guest-starred in the Doctor Who New Year’s special as Sarah, owner of Elf Storage, who stumbles upon something strange in one of her units and requires the Doctor’s help.