Amybeth McNulty: Age, Parents, Hair, Irish-Canadian

When Amybeth McNulty stepped into the role of Anne Shirley, she brought more than acting chops — she carried a real-life identity that mirrored her character’s search for belonging. The Irish-Canadian actress, known for her striking red hair and her portrayal of the beloved orphan, has navigated a career that began with a whirlwind audition at age 14, and this article pieces together her family background, the truth about her hair, and how her dual nationality shaped her path, drawing on interviews and verified records.

Born: 7 November 2001 (age 23) · Nationality: Irish-Canadian · Known for: Anne with an E, Stranger Things · Hair: Naturally blonde, dyed red for Anne with an E · Age during Anne with an E: 15–18

Six key facts about Amybeth McNulty, one pattern: her dual identity as both Irish and Canadian runs through every chapter of her life.

What happened to Amybeth McNulty’s parents?

Amybeth McNulty has spoken publicly about the loss of both parents in the span of two years. Her mother, Siobhan McNulty, died in November 2021 after a battle with cancer, according to Wikipedia. Her father, Liam McNulty, passed away in December 2023. In a 2024 Instagram post, she wrote: “Mum, I love you… Please rest easy my love x.” On The Late Late Show in January 2026, she said Stranger Things was the last audition her parents knew about before they died (The Late Late Show on YouTube).

Her parents had been retired and were able to move with her to Canada when she got the Anne role at 14 (BBC News). They had driven her to acting commitments from around age 10 (The Late Late Show). The loss of both parents in such quick succession is a profound chapter in her story, one she is still processing publicly.

The pattern: personal tragedy did not derail her career; it added depth to her public narrative.

Is Amybeth McNulty Irish?

Amybeth McNulty holds both Irish and Canadian citizenship and describes herself as feeling “half and half” (Hotpress). She was born in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland, and raised in Milford, County Donegal (Wikipedia). Her father was Irish; her mother was Canadian, originally from Calgary, Alberta (Reader’s Digest Canada). She moved to Canada at 14 for acting work and lived in Toronto with her parents. She acquired Canadian citizenship through her mother and has spoken warmly of both countries in interviews.

Her dual nationality is not just paperwork — it influences her career choices and how she sees herself. The implication: she belongs to both worlds, and that identity flexibility may help her navigate roles in Ireland, the UK, and North America.

Is Amybeth McNulty a real redhead?

This is one of the most searched questions about her, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Many profiles describe her as a natural redhead, but McNulty herself told Hotpress that she was naturally blonde and dyed her hair red for the role of Anne Shirley. The dye job was convincing enough that the perception stuck. Even reputable outlets occasionally refer to her as a redhead, but the only direct statement from her says it was colour-treated for the part. So the confirmed fact: she is not a natural redhead — she dyed it for Anne and likely continued the style for continuity.

What this means: the red hair is a deliberate choice, not an accidental trait, and it worked to her advantage in casting.

How old was Amybeth McNulty filming Anne with an E?

She was 14 when cast in 2016 and began filming at 15. CBC News reported that she beat more than 1,800 contenders and auditioned online from Donegal. According to Celtic Life International, she was 15 when described as the latest breakthrough Irish actress cast in a major title role. The series ran for three seasons (2017–2019), so she turned 18 during the final season. The exact age range: 15 to 18.

What this means: she entered the industry young, with her parents moving continents to support her. The age gap between her and Anne Shirley (who starts the story at 11) didn’t matter — McNulty’s performance earned an Emmy nomination and a devoted fan base.

Does Amybeth McNulty live in Ireland?

She was raised in Milford, County Donegal, and lived in Toronto with her parents while filming Anne with an E. According to BBC News, she moved to Canada at 14 and her parents joined her. After her parents’ passing, she reportedly splits her time between Ireland and Canada for work and family connections. There is no public record of a permanent residence change. The pattern: she maintains strong ties to Donegal, where her extended family likely remains, but her professional base is in North America.

The implication: her geographic flexibility is a career asset.

Timeline

• 2001 – Born in Letterkenny, Ireland (Wikipedia)
• 2016–2019 – Filmed Anne with an E (ages 15–18)
• 2022 – Joined Stranger Things season 4 as Vickie (BBC News)
• 2021 – Mother, Siobhan, dies in November
• 2023 – Father, Liam, dies
• 2024 – Instagram tribute to her mother
• 2026 – BBC interview about Stranger Things experience

What we know – and what’s still unclear

The pattern: the confirmed facts outnumber the unclear ones, but both inform her public image.

Key quotes from Amybeth McNulty

“Mum, I love you… Please rest easy my love x.”

Amybeth McNulty, Instagram tribute to her mother, 2024

“It’s been a weird couple of years.”

Amybeth McNulty, BBC interview, 2026

In a 2019 interview with Hotpress, she described herself as feeling “half and half” Irish and Canadian. On The Late Late Show in January 2026, she reflected on how her parents supported her career: “Stranger Things was the last audition they knew I did.”

Summary: What this means for her career and public image

Amybeth McNulty’s story is one of early success, deep family support, and profound loss — all before age 25. Her Irish-Canadian identity gives her casting flexibility, while the red hair that became her trademark was a deliberate choice for Anne. For viewers, the takeaway is a young actress who transformed personal grief into continued work, landing a role in the biggest show on Netflix after losing both parents. For Amybeth McNulty, the lesson is that skill matters more than authenticity — even if the hair colour isn’t real, the performance is.

Frequently asked questions

The range of questions reflects public curiosity about her identity and personal life.

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