Sharon Rooney, known for her luminous smile and energetic presence, embodies a vibrant spirit that belies the complex characters she often portrays. While currently celebrated for her role as Rae in the E4 cult comedy-drama My Mad Fat Diary, Rooney’s off-screen persona reveals a thoughtful and grounded individual, comfortable in her own skin and deeply connected to her craft and personal values. This exploration delves into her background, her breakthrough role, and her perspectives on the acting industry and life itself.
Early Life and Influences
Growing up in a Glasgow family, Rooney’s childhood was filled with the kind of teasing and laughter that fostered a resilient and entertaining spirit. As an only child, she honed her acting abilities by performing nightly for her grandparents, developing an impressive facility for accents and a knack for embodying various characters. Her grandmother, in particular, was a profoundly influential figure, described by Rooney as someone she “just idolised” and wished to make proud. The loss of her grandmother, though deeply felt, was met with Rooney’s characteristic black humor, a protective shield against profound sadness, highlighting her coping mechanisms.
Rooney admits to sharing Rae’s tendency to use humor to connect with others. However, beneath this cheerful exterior lies a deeper poignancy, evident in her reflections on a university experience. When a drama lecturer asked students who felt “uncastable” to stand, Rooney, then 5ft 11in and plus-size, found herself the only one on her feet. This moment of vulnerability underscored her early perceptions of industry standards, believing that “being castable meant you had to look a certain way, be a certain way.” Her lecturer’s wisdom, however, shifted her perspective, emphasizing that suitability for a role is paramount, and that opportunities arise when one “has the edge.”
Breakthrough with My Mad Fat Diary
The role of Rae in My Mad Fat Diary proved to be a career-defining moment for Sharon Rooney. Despite an initial apprehension upon hearing the title, Rooney was captivated by the script within half a page, recognizing the character’s depth and complexity beyond her physical appearance or struggles with depression and weight. She found Rae to be “interesting. She’s funny, smart, clever. I like her and I would like her regardless of her problems.” For Rooney, it was a groundbreaking opportunity to play a lead character who was relatable and could be portrayed authentically, without the need for physical transformation: “I didn’t have to change. I could do it as I was.”
Rooney’s performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Scottish BAFTA nomination for Best Television Actress. Her talent was further recognized in the 2013 BAFTA Breakthrough Brits list, celebrating emerging UK talent. Prior to this significant role, Rooney had been working with Theatre in Education and was contemplating leaving acting due to a lack of substantial parts and a reluctance to compromise her identity. She even considered a career in nursing, inspired by her experience caring for her grandmother, finding fulfillment in helping others. This background makes her appreciation for My Mad Fat Diary‘s impact all the more profound, as she believes the show helps viewers see that “life is good” and provides support for those facing similar challenges.
The audition process for Rae was extensive and emotionally charged. A significant moment occurred before her final audition when a close friend passed away unexpectedly. This personal tragedy brought Rooney to a crossroads, considering withdrawing from the process. However, remembering her friend’s encouragement to secure the part, Rooney saw the audition as a way to honor her friend’s memory and demonstrate her own resilience. She ultimately decided that not pursuing the role would feel like a betrayal, channeling her grief into her performance and embracing the vulnerability that defined Rae.
Navigating the Industry and Body Image
Rooney’s experiences on My Mad Fat Diary, where both her own body and Rae’s are exposed, have provided her with a unique perspective on body image within the entertainment industry. She maintains a healthy detachment, stating, “It’s you, at the end of the day.” Rooney emphasizes that Rae’s struggles with body image are linked to her mental illness and her strained relationship with her mother, contrasting it with her own strong family support system.
Size has never been a personal issue for Rooney, who has consistently had a larger frame. She acknowledges the industry’s challenges but believes My Mad Fat Diary is valuable for portraying relationships where attraction is based on more than physical appearance, noting that Rae’s boyfriend is with her because she is “cool.” Rooney advocates for a broader understanding of self-worth, asserting that external factors like clothing size or brand labels do not define one’s value or happiness. When asked about industry pressure to change, she humorously states she never expected to play Cinderella, but rather “the fairy godmother or the ugly sister,” underscoring her acceptance of diverse roles and her belief that her core personality would remain unchanged.
Family and Future Endeavors
Rooney’s dedication to her family is paramount, a value deeply ingrained from her upbringing. She recounts leaving the set of a comedy pilot, Two Doors Down, to be with her dying grandmother, prioritizing family above all else. This commitment extends to her work, where she feels immense pressure to deliver a final season of My Mad Fat Diary that meets the expectations of its dedicated fanbase.
Looking ahead, Rooney has secured roles in upcoming projects, including the BBC dark comedy Stag and the sitcom Mountain Goats. However, the impact of Rae remains a cherished and life-changing experience, one that brought her significant recognition. Despite her success, Rooney remains grounded, acknowledging that “Post Rae, she still has to fight for jobs… Every actor does.” With her characteristic bright outlook, Rooney faces the future with anticipation, ready to “go out and find one.”
The final series of My Mad Fat Diary began airing on E4 at 10 pm on Monday, June 22.