In a candid conversation on THE LATE LATE SHOW, acclaimed actor Fiona Shaw offered rare insights into her collaborative process with some of television’s most innovative creators while reflecting on her connection to her Cork roots. Fresh from the Dublin premiere of PARK AVENUE at the Dublin International Film Festival, Shaw painted a vivid picture of working alongside Sharon Horgan on the hit Apple TV+ series BAD SISTERS.

Shaw, who portrays Angelica, an old acquaintance of Grace (played by Anne-Marie Duff) in the show’s second season, described Horgan as “a superwoman” whose creative process is as dynamic as it is effective. “What was really unusual about it is that Sharon turns up every morning with her laptop and she just types and fixes,” Shaw told host Patrick Kielty. “She’s probably writing ten other shows as well.” The actor revealed how scenes would continuously evolve through collaboration between herself, Horgan, and director Dearbhla Walsh, creating an environment where the written material served as just a starting point for further creative development.

The Cork native recalled Horgan’s energetic pitch for the show with amusement. “They asked me for coffee and I’d read one episode, and I said to Sharon: ‘What’s the rest of the story about?’ and she took off like a Harley-Davidson: ‘And then this happens, and then this happens’ and I didn’t know what she was saying half the time!” Despite the “garbled” explanation, Shaw was already hooked.

Her admiration extends to Phoebe Waller-Bridge, creator of FLEABAG and KILLING EVE, whom Shaw described as “the most astonishing talent” with “so many gifts” and “a very kind heart.” These collaborations have clearly shaped Shaw’s recent career renaissance, building upon her already impressive portfolio that includes beloved roles in the HARRY POTTER franchise and MY LEFT FOOT.

Despite her international success, Shaw maintains strong ties to her hometown of Cobh, where she frequently returns to visit her 99-year-old mother. “I’m there a lot because my mother is very old now,” she explained, adding that her busy career often made her feel “like a tourist” when visiting Ireland. “I was away, I was often in the theatre and therefore away or on tour so often. I mean, I was always back for Christmas, but I’m getting to know Cork and West Cork and if ever I can escape up west.”

Shaw even revealed how local influences shaped her performances, including basing her character in THREE MEN AND A BABY on her Cork headmistress who was “always rummaging down her chest.” She noted with amusement that “generations of schoolchildren at Scoil Mhuire knew I had based it on that particular woman,” calling it “quite a local performance—don’t sweat the big stuff, just do what you know.”

This interweaving of international stardom with deeply personal connections to home exemplifies Shaw’s approach to her craft—drawing from authentic experiences while collaborating with contemporary storytelling visionaries, continuing to captivate audiences across generations and genres.