On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Saoirse-Monica Jackson made an appearance to talk about her role in the new Netflix series, The Decameron. She was given a warm welcome by the audience as she discussed her experience working on the Emmy award-winning sitcom “Derry Girls” and how it led to her new project.
Colbert started the conversation by asking Jackson about the popularity of “Derry Girls” in the US, despite the thick accents. Jackson shared that she believes the show’s universal theme of being a teenager and growing up in a big family resonated with audiences. She also mentioned that the writing was exceptional and truly captured the essence of life in Northern Ireland during the 90s.
As they delved deeper into Jackson’s background, she revealed that she comes from a large family herself, with around 62 to 64 immediate family members. Colbert jokingly asked if being a celebrity had changed her life in her hometown of Derry, to which Jackson humbly replied that the people of Derry have embraced the show because it accurately portrays their upbringing. She admitted that they would not hesitate to voice their opinions if they didn’t like it, making the positive reception even more meaningful.
The conversation then took an interesting turn when Jackson mentioned a mural in Derry featuring her and the rest of the cast of “Derry Girls.” She explained that murals in Derry typically focused on the political landscape, so having one dedicated to the show was special and a testament to its impact.
Colbert, curious about Jackson’s fame outside of Derry, asked if she gets recognized in the UK. She shared an amusing story about being recognized in a bar in New York called the Cobby Hole. A fan recognized her and even facetimed their friend to prove that she was there. In London, she has also been recognized and occasionally faced challenges with age restrictions due to people mistaking her for a teenager.
The interview took an unexpectedly hilarious turn when Jackson revealed a recent incident in London where she was mistaken for someone having a psychotic episode. She was practicing her lines for an audition when a man kept staring at her. Eventually, she changed seats to concentrate better, but he followed her and flashed his police badge, thinking she needed assistance. Jackson humorously clarified that she was just an actress, leaving Colbert impressed.
They wrapped up the interview by discussing Jackson’s new Netflix series, The Decameron. She plays a servant girl named Mesia in this dark comedy set in the 1300s, centered around a group of nobles and servants who seek refuge from the Black Plague. Jackson highlighted that the intense situation heightens everyone’s selfish and insane qualities, making for an intriguing storyline.
To add a touch of authenticity to her character, Jackson sported a unique haircut that suited the time period. Colbert praised her transformation and expressed curiosity about how her family felt about her success. Jackson shared that her friends and family from Derry and Donny, always keep her grounded, never letting her get any “notions” about herself. She humorously narrated incidents where her family members playfully teased her about her achievements, showcasing their down-to-earth nature.
As the interview concluded, Jackson thanked Colbert for having her on the show and announced that The Decameron is now streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to watch. It was a lively and entertaining conversation that showcased Jackson’s charm and comedic timing.
