Paul Mescal's breakout role in "Normal People" earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie. But his journey to award nominee has been just as fast and furious as his previous career.

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Mescal was previously part of a minor league Gaelic football team in Ireland.

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In 2015, Mescal was busy on the field rather than the red carpet.

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Mescal left the sport

, realizing he couldn't pursue acting at the same time.

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Mescal went on to become a respected stage actor, starring in the Abbey Theatre's production of Seán O'Casey's "The Plough and the Stars," directed by Sean Holmes in 2018.

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After blowing away producers by

Mescal booked "Normal People" in the role of Connell.

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Mescal proved he has even more tricks up his sleeve when he performed a surprise duet with Dermot Kennedy at London's Natural History Museum in July 2020. The "Normal People" star sang and recited poetry on the stage.

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Now Mescal is social distancing as he takes on awards season. In July, he and co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones kept a distance at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards in London.

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