If you’ve spent any time on the internet in the last five years, you know the face. She’s the one shouting about "fionnulas" or threatening to punch someone while wearing a 90s scrunchie. Jamie-Lee O'Donnell basically became the face of Northern Irish comedy overnight. But there’s a massive misconception that she’s just a one-hit wonder who happened to strike gold with Derry Girls. Honestly, that couldn't be further from the truth.
She’s been grinding since 2012.
The range she’s shown lately is actually kind of wild. We're talking about a woman who can go from a foul-mouthed teenager in the 90s to a hardened prison officer in a high-stakes drama without blinking. If you're looking for the full rundown of Jamie-Lee O'Donnell movies and TV shows, you've probably noticed she isn't just sticking to the scripts that feel safe. She’s taking risks.
The Derry Girls Era and the Michelle Mallon Effect
Let's address the elephant in the room. Derry Girls is the reason we're all here. Playing Michelle Mallon wasn't just a job; it was a cultural reset for Northern Irish TV. Jamie-Lee brought a specific kind of "Derry energy" that felt authentic because, well, she’s actually from there. She didn't have to fake the accent or the attitude.
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The show wrapped its third and final season in 2022, but its ghost still follows her. Most people don't realize that while she was filming those iconic scenes at the talent show or trying to smuggle a suitcase of vodka, she was already looking for the next gear.
Moving Beyond the School Uniform: Screw and The Feud
Transitioning from a beloved sitcom character is a nightmare for most actors. You get pigeonholed. People expect you to be funny 24/7. Jamie-Lee dodged this bullet by taking on the role of Rose Gill in the Channel 4 drama Screw.
It’s a gritty, claustrophobic look at life inside a men’s prison. No jokes about the IRA or spice chips here. She plays a trainee officer who is way out of her depth, and it’s arguably her best performance to date. The show ran for two seasons (2022-2023), proving she could carry a heavy dramatic load.
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Then came 2025. This was a massive year for her. She joined the cast of The Feud, playing PC Gallagher. It’s a six-part domestic thriller that basically proves she’s now a staple of British and Irish "must-watch" TV.
A Breakdown of Recent Projects
- Leonard and Hungry Paul (2025): This is a total 180-degree turn. Based on the Rónán Hession novel, it’s a quiet, gentle comedy-drama. She plays Shelley, a character who is a world away from the "ballsiness" of Michelle Mallon. It premiered in late 2025 on RTÉ and the BBC.
- The Real Derry (2022): This was a personal documentary. If you want to see the "real" Jamie-Lee, watch this. She explores her upbringing and how the Troubles shaped the city she loves.
- Unwelcome (2023): This is her foray into horror. She plays Aisling in a movie about malevolent goblins in the Irish countryside. It's weird, it’s bloody, and it’s a lot of fun.
- Girl Group (TBA): This is the one everyone is whispering about. She’s slated to appear in this Rebel Wilson-led feature film alongside huge names like Jennifer Coolidge. It marks a serious move toward Hollywood.
Why She Actually Matters Right Now
There's something very "anti-celebrity" about her. She recently moved to Barcelona to clear her head and focus on her mental health after the whirlwind of fame. It’s a move that most rising stars would be terrified to make. They’d worry about being "out of sight, out of mind."
But she doesn't seem to care.
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She’s also been a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (Series 7), showing off a side of her personality that's just pure, unfiltered joy. Whether it's appearing in a Kneecap music video or narrating documentaries, she’s building a career that feels intentional. She isn't just taking every script that lands on her desk.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Watchers
If you’re trying to catch up on the best of Jamie-Lee O'Donnell movies and TV shows, don't just stop at Netflix.
- Check out Screw on Channel 4/All4: It’s the definitive proof of her range.
- Watch Leonard and Hungry Paul: If you're tired of high-octane thrillers and want something that feels like a warm hug, this is it.
- Find 6Degrees on BBC iPlayer: This is her "origin story." It’s a student drama from 2012-2015 where she played Eva Maguire. It’s fascinating to see her before the Derry Girls polish.
- Keep an eye on Girl Group: This will likely be her biggest international break since 2018.
Jamie-Lee O’Donnell has managed to do something very few actors from "niche" regional comedies do: she became a versatile lead. She’s no longer just the "loud girl" from the North. She’s a dramatic powerhouse who just happens to be hilarious when she wants to be. If 2025 was her year of transition, 2026 is looking like the year she officially becomes a global name.