Irish actor Aidan Gillen is set to star as one of Ireland's most controversial politicians Charlie Haughey in new drama 'Citizen Charlie'.
Best known for his role as gang leader 'John Boy' in Love Hate and Tommy Carcetti in The Wire, Gillen has been marking his mark both here and in the UK and America for some time now. For RTE to land Gillen for this role is a pretty big deal. A film source said, 'RTE require an exceptional actor to play Haughey but also someone who would be known in both the UK and America.' It seems Gillen fits the bill perfectly.
Gillen will play the controversial politician in the upcoming three part series which is described as the 'emergence of modern Ireland through the mesmeric figure of Charles J Haughey and his pursuit of power, wealth and glamour.' The actor was said to be unrecognisable in the role of Haughey. A witness to the screen test described Gillen's performance as 'chilling' and said 'the hair and make-up was perfect to make Aidan look like Charlie Haughey in the 60s'.
RTE have given the project €3.7 million in funding for the project. Speaking about the project Jane Gogan, RTE's commissioning editor for drama said, 'Charles J Haughey is a figure in Irish life on which everyone has a point of view, but this drama will be as much about Ireland as it is about one man.'
We have no doubt this show, now with Aidan Gillen's name attached, will be one of this year's most anticipated programmes. No air date has been released yet.
