How Old Was Paul Mescal When He Filmed Normal People

So, there I was, binge-watching Normal People on a lazy Sunday, completely hooked on the on-screen chemistry between Marianne and Connell. I mean, who wasn't, right? But then it hit me, I had no idea how old Paul Mescal was when he filmed this emotional rollercoaster. I mean, he plays a teenager, but does he actually look like one?

Alright, let's rewind a bit. Paul Mescal, the Irish heartthrob who made us all swoon with his portrayal of Connell Waldron, was born on 28th February 1996. Yes, you read that right, he's a '96 baby. Now, let's do some math. The first season of Normal People was filmed in 2019, which means Paul was a fresh 23-year-old when he stepped into Connell's shoes.

But wait, you might be thinking, "23? That's not a teenager!" And you're absolutely right. But here's the thing, Paul Mescal is a master of the 'boyish charm' department. He's got that youthful energy and those baby blues that make him look like he's still in high school. I mean, have you seen his Instagram? The guy can rock a school uniform like nobody's business.

So, how did he pull off playing a teenager so convincingly?

Well, first off, Paul Mescal is a trained actor. He graduated from the prestigious Drama Centre London in 2017, so he knows a thing or two about transforming into a character. But I think what really helped was the script. Sally Rooney's novel and the subsequent TV adaptation are known for their raw, honest portrayal of young love. Paul didn't have to rely on exaggerated mannerisms to play a teenager; he could just be himself, or rather, a slightly younger version of himself.

Plus, let's not forget the hair. Connell's signature haircut, the one with the little tuft at the front, is a genius move to make Paul look even younger. I mean, who among us didn't have a similar hairstyle in our teenage years? (No? Just me? Okay then.)

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But how did he feel about playing a teenager at 23?

In an interview with Vogue, Paul admitted that he was initially worried about playing a teenager. He said, "I was like, 'Oh God, I'm going to have to act really young.' But then I realized that it's not about acting young, it's about playing a character who's going through a very specific set of experiences." Wise words from the man himself.

So there you have it, folks. Paul Mescal was 23 when he filmed Normal People, and while he might not have been a teenager in real life, he certainly convinced us all that he was. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some more episodes to catch up on. Until next time, stay curious!