Ross O'Hennessy

Ross O'Hennessy is a Welsh actor whose career spans over two and a half decades, marked by a seamless transition from stage to screen and a reputation for portraying intense and commanding characters. Born in 1974 in the small town of Pontllanfraith, Wales, O'Hennessy grew up in a working‑class family and discovered his passion for performance at the tender age of sixteen, prompting a move to London at eighteen to pursue formal training. He earned a coveted place in the National Youth Theatre, where mentors such as Hakeem Kae‑Kazim guided his early development, and his talent secured a scholarship from Sir John Mills and The Stage newspaper, allowing him to complete a three‑year acting course at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
His professional debut unfolded on the boards of the Chichester Festival Theatre in the production "The Visit" opposite Hollywood legend Lauren Bacall, a performance that opened doors to the Royal Shakespeare Company where he tackled classics like As You Like It, Three Hours After Marriage and Troilus and Cressida. While his theatrical roots remain a cornerstone of his craft, O'Hennessy swiftly moved to television, first appearing as Corporal Dando in the BBC series Soldier Soldier (1995‑1997), and later gaining broader recognition with his role as Bruce Maverick in Hollyoaks Later (2011).
His breakout on the international stage arrived when he was cast as the fearsome Lord of Bones in HBO’s Game of Thrones (Season 5, 2015), a part that showcased his ability to embody dark, complex villains and cemented his status among genre fans. Subsequent credits include Commander Quattrone in Da Vinci's Demons, Sir Locke in Kurt Sutter’s FX medieval drama The Bastard Executioner, and the ruthless Carnage Cliff in the action‑filled film adaptation of Accident Man.
Beyond the screen, O'Hennessy is noted for his commitment to the arts community, actively supporting charitable campaigns to preserve local theatres such as the Blackwood Little Theatre, and engaging fans through events like the 2015 Wrexham Comic Con. His blend of classical training, versatile screen work, and genuine community involvement continues to define him as a distinguished figure in contemporary British acting.