Deirdre O'Kane Quotes

Powerful Deirdre O'Kane for Daily Growth

About Deirdre O'Kane

Deirdre O'Kane is an accomplished Irish comedian, actress, and writer known for her unique blend of wit, intelligence, and raw humor. Born on May 16, 1970, in Dublin, Ireland, she grew up in a working-class family and developed a love for comedy at an early age. O'Kane's career began in the late 1990s when she started performing stand-up comedy. Her first major break came in 2003 when she won the BBC New Comedy Awards, which led to appearances on shows like "Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow" and "Live at the Apollo." One of her most notable works is the sitcom "Moone Boy," written by Chris O'Dowd, in which she played a pivotal role as Mrs. O'Dowd. The show was a critical success and garnered numerous awards, including an International Emmy for Best Comedy Series. O'Kane is also known for her work on radio, where she has written and performed for BBC Radio 4's "The Now Show" and "Dead Ringers." Her acerbic wit and ability to satirically comment on current events have made her a favorite among radio audiences. In addition to her comedic endeavors, O'Kane has also had significant roles in several dramas, including "The Fall," "Vikings," and "Striking Out." Her versatility as an actress, combined with her sharp humor, makes her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Deirdre O'Kane continues to be a powerful voice in Irish comedy, challenging societal norms while making audiences laugh. Her unique perspective and comedic talent have made her one of Ireland's most respected and loved comedians.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain."

This quote suggests that rather than waiting for difficulties or challenges (the storm) to end, one should learn to cope with them effectively and find joy in life despite adversity (dancing in the rain). It encourages resilience, optimism, and a positive outlook on life, emphasizing personal growth and happiness can be found even during hard times.


"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do."

This quote by Deirdre O'Kane emphasizes the joy and satisfaction derived from overcoming obstacles or proving naysayers wrong, by accomplishing feats that others deem impossible. It underscores the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring us to push our limits, challenge preconceived notions, and seize opportunities for growth and self-discovery.


"Success often comes to those who dare and act, not those who wait and speculate."

This quote by Deirdre O'Kane suggests that success is achieved through action rather than just contemplation or waiting for opportunities to come along. It emphasizes the importance of taking risks and being proactive in pursuing one's goals, as opposed to simply analyzing situations without actually doing anything about them. In essence, it encourages people to take bold steps towards their dreams instead of standing still or second-guessing themselves.


"Everyone has a story, but it's how we tell our stories that make us unique."

Deirdre O'Kane's quote emphasizes the idea that everyone possesses a unique life narrative, but what truly sets us apart is the way we choose to share those stories. This perspective encourages self-expression, creativity, and individuality, as the telling of our personal tales becomes a reflection of our personality, values, and experiences. The way we narrate our lives can shape perceptions about us, creating a distinct identity in a vast, interconnected world. Ultimately, it's through storytelling that we not only connect with others but also discover and share our own truths.


"The universe doesn't give you what you want, the universe gives you what you are."

This quote by Deirdre O'Kane emphasizes that our actions, thoughts, and character shape the experiences we encounter in life rather than fate or external circumstances. The universe provides opportunities, and it is up to us to align ourselves with our desires and take action to manifest those outcomes. In essence, our reality is a reflection of who we are, not just what we want.


I'm doing my best to be mindful about how I'm living: to be kind and patient, and not to impose a bad mood on somebody else. Being mindful is as good a way to be spiritual as anything else.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Doing, Living, Bad, Impose

I'm a great lighter and lover of candles, particularly fragranced ones, as I'm kind of addicted to scent.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Kind, Addicted, Particularly, Lighter

With a new baby, you have a bad day now and again because you're particularly tired, but most of the time, you're fine. You spend a lot of your time trying to figure out how you can get more sleep, but really, you're better off just giving up and admitting that you're not going to, so forget about it.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Giving Up, Bad, About, New Baby

I think boarding school does give you an independence.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Think, Give, I Think, Boarding School

I get a good colour in summer but go really pale in winter, and it genuinely doesn't suit me, as people ask me if I'm ill. As well as making me look a bit better, I often have to be tanned in the middle of winter to do a show or programme, so I've road-tested every fake tan on the market.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Winter, Show, Genuinely, Fake

I don't like doing things by halves, and I realised you can't do stand-up comedy part-time.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Doing, Like, Realised, Part-Time

When you're independent and not attached to a major media organisation, they just look at you as if to say, 'Who are you again?'

- Deirdre O'Kane

Independent, Say, Again, Organisation

I could probably die happy with a cheeseboard and a glass of French red wine - that's my idea of a perfect dinner.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Die, Perfect, Glass, French

Work hard, play hard, dream big, love loads, laugh as much as you can, and give back.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Love, Play, Big, Laugh

Growing up, I was your classic Catholic Irish kid. I went to mass every Sunday. Then in secondary school I went to boarding school, and there was mass seven days a week before breakfast - it may have put me off!

- Deirdre O'Kane

Week, Kid, Before, Secondary

I admire Pat Shortt as a businessman. Such acumen is unusual for an entertainer. He did all his own deals. I learnt a lot from Pat when I was on the road with him for a year.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Own, Year, Pat, Acumen

I am pretty much as you see me. I don't have deep, dark depths and go home in despair.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Deep, Pretty, Go Home, Depths

I have never, ever slept through my child crying unless I have had a sleeping tablet; and I only take a sleeping tablet when I know Steve, my husband, is on duty. We take turns: he does one night, I do the next.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Through, Next, Had, Tablet

One day I got an invite to help the Christina Noble Foundation, and by this stage, I'd already been talking about her for 10 years. I said 'yes' right away, and that was the first time I met her.

- Deirdre O'Kane

One Day, Away, Been, Right Away

The notion that patience is a virtue is something you don't fully appreciate until you're a parent. You need endless patience with little ones.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Parent, Need, Endless, Fully

I love peppermint tea, as it's much nicer than taking anything chemical for settling your stomach.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Love, Stomach, Nicer, Settling

Many's the audition I waltzed into unprepared and wondered why I didn't get it. I learned the hard way.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Why, Audition, Unprepared, Hard Way

I was never very good at being an unemployed actor. I always thought that I should have been doing something pro-active. I was never good at doing juvenile leads. I suppose it's because I have this big sarcastic head on me.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Big, Always, Very, Juvenile

I love motherhood. I certainly wasn't aware of any mothering instincts until I had babies. I wasn't a person who desperately wanted to have kids, but you don't get it until you do it, and, suddenly, this nurturing instinct exists.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Love, Instinct, Had, Instincts

Filling a theatre like the Olympia or Vicar Street on your own name is a very rewarding moment.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Theatre, Very, Filling, Vicar

Waiting to be hired, as an actor, especially, is soul-destroying... There is always something you can do... Create something, a play reading... Anything. But don't rely on other people to come to you. Put yourself out there.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Play, Always, Other, Hired

I kind of flew into a panic that somebody would have already owned the rights, because Christina Noble's life is such a good story. It took us two full years to get Christina to agree and sign the rights.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Good, Good Story, Sign, Panic

You wouldn't expect a cattle dealer to sit down at a grand piano and play it beautifully. That's my father.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Father, Play, Cattle, Dealer

I was 25 before I joined the world, in my opinion. I was a very late developer, and everything came late.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Before, Very, In My Opinion, Developer

My salary swings an unbelievable amount. When I had Holly, I took seven months off, so my salary was very low. It fluctuates wildly. No one pays you for the period you spend writing. I am certainly not rich.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Seven, Very, Had, Wildly

I can make my living out of Ireland, but the reason I came to London was that I felt I'd gone as far as I could go in Ireland.

- Deirdre O'Kane

London, Reason, Living, As Far As

Ultimately, I just decided stand-up comedy is a huge commitment, and if you want to be the best, you have to give it one hundred per cent.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Comedy, Give, Hundred, Per

Yes... I miss that everyone in Ireland tries to knock some humour out of every situation. I don't think I appreciated that. It's unique to Ireland.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Think, Some, Tries, Ireland

There's a lot I've missed about living in Ireland. You miss family, particularly when you've got kids.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Living, Missed, Particularly, Ireland

I knew I couldn't do what Eddie Izzard does, so I just tried to write some stories that were based, or partly based, on my own experiences.

- Deirdre O'Kane

Some, Stories, Based, Partly

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