Megan Cusack is a celebrated Irish actress best known for her breakout role as Nurse Nancy Corrigan in the long-running BBC period drama Call the Midwife, a character she portrayed from 2021 until her departure in early 2025. Born on May 23, 1996, in Cork, Ireland, Cusack is a member of the prestigious Cusack acting dynasty, the granddaughter of Cyril Cusack and niece to actresses Sinéad, Sorcha, Niamh, and Catherine Cusack. A 2018 graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), she has transitioned from acclaimed stage work at the Abbey Theatre to major television roles, including appearances in Doctors, Silent Witness, and the 2026 National Theatre production of The Playboy of the Western World.
Early Life in West Cork
Megan Cusack was born into a household where creativity was the primary language, raised on the banks of the Ilen River just outside Skibbereen, West Cork. Despite her family’s international fame, her upbringing was grounded in the rural beauty of Ireland, which she often cites as the source of her affinity for nature and storytelling.
She expressed a desire to act at the age of nine, often staging elaborate plays for her parents. Her father, Pádraig Cusack, a renowned theatre producer, reportedly recognized early on that attempting to steer her toward a different career path was a “losing battle,” given her innate passion for the stage.
The Cusack Acting Dynasty
The “Cusack” name is synonymous with the history of Irish and British performance, spanning over a century of stage and screen excellence. Megan is the granddaughter of Cyril Cusack, one of Ireland’s greatest film stars, and Maureen Cusack, a prolific actress of the mid-20th century.
Her aunts—Sinéad, Sorcha, Niamh, and Catherine—have all achieved legendary status in the industry, with credits ranging from the Royal Shakespeare Company to iconic TV roles in Heartbeat and Coronation Street. Megan’s cousins are equally accomplished, including Bridgerton star Calam Lynch and Hollywood actor Max Irons, further cementing the family’s legacy in modern media.
Training at LAMDA
In 2015, Megan moved to London to attend the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), one of the world’s most prestigious conservatoires. She spent three years refining her craft, participating in intensive training that she describes as the “perfect bridge” to becoming a professional independent artist.
During her time at LAMDA, she was exposed to a myriad of acting methods and classical texts, graduating in 2018. Her training years were instrumental in developing the versatility required to handle both the comedic timing and deep emotional beats that would later define her television debut.
Professional Theatre Debut
Megan made her professional theatrical debut in 2019 at Ireland’s National Theatre, the Abbey Theatre, in a production of Edna O’Brien’s The Country Girls. This performance marked her transition from student to professional, earning her critical praise for her stage presence and authenticity.
She continued her theatrical ascent with the Druid Theatre Company, performing in Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. Her work on the stage remains her “first love,” providing a creative playground where she can continually refine a character’s nuances through repeated live performances.
Breakout as Nancy Corrigan
Cusack joined the cast of Call the Midwife in its tenth series (2021) as Nancy Corrigan, a pupil midwife with a vibrant personality and a secret past. Her character was initially a whirlwind of brightly colored clothes and bold makeup, but she soon revealed a heartbreaking backstory as an orphan and a single mother.
Nancy’s journey from a “ditzy” newcomer to a vital member of Nonnatus House captivated millions of viewers. Her performance was so well-received that she was nominated for Favourite Newcomer at the 2021 TV Times Awards, quickly becoming one of the show’s most beloved figures.
Departure from Call the Midwife
After four years in the role, it was confirmed in early 2025 that Megan Cusack would be leaving Call the Midwife. Her exit storyline saw Nancy accept a position at Netherditch Hospital in Surrey, seeking career growth and a stable life for her daughter, Colette, alongside her partner Roger Noble.
Cusack described the decision to leave as “bittersweet,” citing a need to take a “leap of faith” at the start of her career to avoid becoming too comfortable. Her final scenes in Series 14 provided a joyful conclusion to Nancy’s narrative, including a community-wide celebration that honored her growth as both a midwife and a mother.
Recent Projects and Roles
Following her departure from the BBC, Megan has returned to her theatrical roots, starring in the National Theatre’s 2026 production of The Playboy of the Western World. She portrays Susan Brady, showcasing her ability to handle classic Irish literature with modern sensibilities.
On screen, she has expanded her filmography with roles in the 2025 film Cooper & Fry and the documentary The Hills Are Alive. These projects signal a shift toward diverse storytelling, moving away from the “Nurse Nancy” archetype to explore more contemporary and varied characters.
Practical Information and Planning
Where to Watch Megan Cusack
Call the Midwife: Available on BBC iPlayer (UK), Netflix, and PBS (USA).
The Playboy of the Western World: Check local listings for National Theatre Live screenings in cinemas worldwide.
Silent Witness: Available on BBC iPlayer for her guest appearance in Series 26.
How to Follow Her Career
Megan is occasionally active on social media, where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her rehearsals and life in London. However, fans are encouraged to follow official casting announcements from the Abbey Theatre and National Theatre for her upcoming stage dates.
Tips for Aspiring Actors
Inspired by Megan’s path? She often recommends formal conservatoire training like LAMDA as a way to build a professional network and “find your voice.” She also emphasizes the importance of reading and watching classic plays to understand the “bones” of the craft.
FAQs
Who is Megan Cusack related to?
She is the niece of actresses Sinéad, Niamh, Sorcha, and Catherine Cusack, and the granddaughter of the legendary Cyril Cusack. Her cousin is Max Irons and Calam Lynch.
Is Megan Cusack leaving Call the Midwife?
Yes, Megan officially left the show during Series 14 (early 2025). Her character, Nancy, moved to Surrey for a new job and a life with Roger Noble.
Where was Megan Cusack born?
She was born in Cork, Ireland, and grew up in the West Cork area near Skibbereen.
What was Megan Cusack’s first role?
Her professional debut was in The Country Girls at the Abbey Theatre in 2019. Her first major TV role was Nancy Corrigan in Call the Midwife.
Did Megan Cusack attend drama school?
Yes, she graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in 2018.
What happened to Nancy’s daughter Colette?
In the show’s narrative, Colette moved to Surrey with Nancy and Roger Noble to begin their new life together as a family.
Has Megan Cusack won any awards?
While she hasn’t won a major trophy yet, she was nominated for Favourite Newcomer at the TV Times Awards and was ranked among the top period drama actresses of 2021.
What is Megan Cusack doing in 2026?
She is currently performing in The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre and appearing in several independent film projects.
Is Megan Cusack on social media?
She maintains a presence on platforms like Instagram, though she is known for being relatively private about her personal life.
Who is Megan Cusack’s father?
Her father is Pádraig Cusack, a highly respected international theatre producer.
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