Let’s first start off with who this talented gentleman is. Eoin Macken is not just an actor; he’s a filmmaker, writer, and former model who has carved a diverse career across film and television. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Macken initially pursued a degree in psychology, then marine biology, at University College Dublin before his creative passions led him toward the entertainment industry.
Macken said, “I studied acting the first time when I was in New York. I didn’t want to be an actor until that point. I was modeling then and got flown to New York for some work. They wanted to send me to acting class. So, I said sure, I’ll stay a week and do that. At first, I hated it. I didn’t want to do it after the first couple of days. But I got along really well with my acting coach, Nina, and she spoke to me about films and stuff and forced me to do it. I then really enjoyed it so much I went back to Ireland and started doing shows in college. The next year I did a film and everything sort of snowballed from there.”
Many say, including some of my own friends, that the Irish are stubborn. Given how much Irish heritage I have, I can’t argue with that. However, Eoin is not someone I can say that trait exists in, far from it. But traits from the Emerald Isle I will say he does possess is his charm, wit and certainly his interest in experiencing all this world has to offer. I asked Eoin what his first New York apartment was like.
“When I first moved to New York, with a buddy of mine from London, we moved to the East Village and rented this weird apartment off Craig’s List. We had to meet this woman at some subway station to pay her the rent in cash in 20s – she was this lady with pink hair who met us at the top of the subway. She counted the money and then disappeared. This apartment was above where STOMP is in the East Village. I was working at a bar across from Thompkins Square Park and that was where we lived for four or five months. That was my neighborhood. I loved it and every time I come back to New York, which is frequently, I stay in the area.”
After starring as Sir Gwaine in BBC’s Merlin (which aired domestically on NBC) from 2010 – 2012, Macken had roles across many movies and shows on both sides of “The Pond.” But in 2021, he joined the ensemble cast of the sci-fi drama La Brea, playing Gavin Harris, a man desperate to reunite with his family after they fall into a mysterious time portal. After three seasons, the NBC drama ended in 2024. After a six-episode arc in the BBC series Borderline, Macken was cast in Netflix’s Ransom Canyon.
To end the interview, I asked Eoin what his favorite New York moment was; what really defined our city for him. No one could have chosen a better answer, “The very first time I was properly in New York, that first week with Nina, I remember getting off the subway at Union Square. I got to the top of the steps and just pressed play on my Discman with my favorite band, Oasis, on. I walked about 40 blocks to where I was going for acting class. I was just walking through New York, all different people around you, through traffic, past yellow cabs and just being so happy. It was one of my favorite things ever.”
Whether he’s acting, directing, or writing, Macken brings a distinct Irish charm and sensibility to his work—one that blends depth, wit, and a touch of melancholy. His career is a testament to the power of creativity, proving that true artists don’t limit themselves to one craft—they explore them all. In other words, I get the sense from him that his soul never left New York. And we should all be thankful for that!