Only a few years after her acting debut in 2003 on the Irish medical drama series The Clinic, Saoirse Ronan was offered the role of Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones, a 2009 supernatural thriller film directed by Peter Jackson.
Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones, capturing a poignant moment as she looks towards the afterlife (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
According to The Los Angeles Times, her parents were hesitant to accept the part because of the rape and murder content in the film based on Alice Sebold’s award-winning and bestselling 2002 novel of the same name.
Filming Challenges and Saoirse’s Maturity Beyond Her Years
Production for the movie commenced in October 2007, filming in Pennsylvania, USA, and New Zealand. During the shoot, Saoirse was just 13 years old, celebrating her 14th birthday on April 12, 2008.
Saoirse Ronan posing with her father Paul Ronan at the Irish premiere of The Lovely Bones held at the Savoy Cinema in Dublin, Ireland, on January 26, 2010 (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
“She was only 13 years old when we filmed,” said co-star Stanley Tucci, who plays the neighbor George Harvey who murders Susie in the film.
“How someone acquires that kind of maturity as an actress at such a young age is remarkable. I can’t imagine it. She handles herself as well as any seasoned actor. I wouldn’t even be able to finish a sentence at her age. She’s a real actress. Bottom line. And she is Susie Salmon. No one else could play her.”
Saoirse Ronan and director Peter Jackson at the Los Angeles premiere of The Lovely Bones at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on December 7, 2009, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
Critical Acclaim and Recognition at the Irish Film & Television Awards
When the film was released in North America in December 2009, Saoirse had turned 15. She won the Best Actress award for her performance at the 7th Irish Film & Television Awards.
Saoirse Ronan steps out in intricate lace-up peep-toe heels (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
Saoirse Ronan’s Evolution: From Hanna to Brooklyn
In January 2016, Saoirse Ronan was no longer the little girl Cate Blanchett once worked with on “Hanna,” a 2011 action thriller directed by Joe Wright.
The then-21-year-old was focusing on her acting work. Might Cate feel threatened by her former co-star?
Red Carpet Style: Duro Olowu and Pierre Hardy at the Palm Springs International Film Festival
Saoirse Ronan wears her hair back at the 27th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival held January 2, 2016, in California (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
Saoirse, whose Irish name is pronounced Sur-sha, graced the red carpet of the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards.
Saoirse Ronan wears a printed Duro Olowu dress on the red carpet (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
The actress wore a multi-printed dress from Duro Olowu, which she paired with orange ankle strap “Skinissimo” pumps from Pierre Hardy.
Saoirse Ronan makes a vibrant statement on the red carpet in bold orange ankle-strap heels (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
Some might say this look is too granny for a 21-year-old, but we think it’s a good mix between being a young, fresh-faced woman and a lady.
Cate Blanchett made it a point to honor Saoirse, who presented the former with her Achievement Award, during her acceptance speech by pointing out her incredible transition from “Hanna” to “Brooklyn.”
Saoirse Ronan poses with actor Paul Dano at the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
The actress also told Saoirse to get off the stage because she was “too young, and talented, and gorgeous.”
Step into Style: Highlighting Pierre Hardy’s Iconic Footwear Collection
With spring just around the corner and temperatures on the rise, we’re excited to showcase some hot heels from the iconic shoe designer Pierre Hardy below:
Pierre Hardy ‘Skinissimo’ Sandals
Pierre Hardy Kid Suede “Skinissimo” Ankle Strap Sandals, $775
Pierre Hardy “Majorelle” Lace-Up Suede Sandals, $845
Pierre Hardy “Majorelle” Lace-Up Suede Sandals, $845