Luck o’ the Irish: Celebrities with Celtic heritages

Proud of her Irish roots, Wilde, born Olivia Jane Cockburn, studied acting at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin. She even went as far as to adopt the name of the eternally famed Irish writer, Oscar Wilde. Wilde arrives at the screening of 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone' during the 2013 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at the Paramount Theatre on March 8, 2013 in Austin, Texas.Born in Philly, Cooper grew up with an Italian-American mother and Irish-American father. He began his professional acting career in 1998 with a role on ‘Sex in the City’ and was an Oscar nominee for his work in ‘Silver Linings Playbook.’ Cooper arrives at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at Sunset Tower on February 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California.While her ancestors are of Irish and Scottish descent, Kidman was actually born in Hawaii. Her parents, both natives of Australia, were on the U.S. island under education visas. Having been born in the U.S. of Australian parents, Kidman has citizenship in both countries.Kidman arrives at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California.View the list »
President Barack Obama may be the subject of the ridiculous 'birther" conspiracy, but in 2007 he discovered that over 160 years ago his great-great-great-grandfather left Ireland to come to the New World. He quickly embraced his new-found heritage and dyed the White House fountain green and he even quaffed a pint of Guinness with people of Moneygall, the birthplace of his ancestor. President Barack Obama laughs during a event with the National Governors Association in the State Dining Room of the White House on February 24, 2013 in Washington, DC.

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On March 17 of this year, people all over the world will be paying tribute to the most popular Saint of Ireland: St. Patrick. Folks will be breaking out the corned beef, green beer and potatoes in celebration of the day. Though traditions may differ, and many may be misinterpreted, this holiday is like a shining pot of gold at the end of the stormy winter months.

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On St. Patrick's Day everybody has a wee bit of Irish in them including many of the stars. Whether they were born in Ireland like Colin Farrell, or just have ancestors who came across the pond from the Emerald Isle, like Nicole Kidman, you might be surprised by some of the famous names who will proudly celebrate their heritage this weekend.

So help us join in the celebration of all things Irish with our list of Irish celebrities by clicking on the list that follows.

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  • President Barack Obama may be the subject of the ridiculous 'birther" conspiracy, but in 2007 he discovered that over 160 years ago his great-great-great-grandfather left Ireland to come to the New World. He quickly embraced his new-found heritage and dyed the White House fountain green and he even quaffed a pint of Guinness with people of Moneygall, the birthplace of his ancestor. President Barack Obama laughs during a event with the National Governors Association in the State Dining Room of the White House on February 24, 2013 in Washington, DC.
  • While her ancestors are of Irish and Scottish descent, Kidman was actually born in Hawaii. Her parents, both natives of Australia, were on the U.S. island under education visas. Having been born in the U.S. of Australian parents, Kidman has citizenship in both countries.Kidman arrives at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California.
  • Born in Philly, Cooper grew up with an Italian-American mother and Irish-American father. He began his professional acting career in 1998 with a role on ‘Sex in the City’ and was an Oscar nominee for his work in ‘Silver Linings Playbook.’ Cooper arrives at the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at Sunset Tower on February 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California.
  • Proud of her Irish roots, Wilde, born Olivia Jane Cockburn, studied acting at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin. She even went as far as to adopt the name of the eternally famed Irish writer, Oscar Wilde. Wilde arrives at the screening of 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone' during the 2013 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at the Paramount Theatre on March 8, 2013 in Austin, Texas.
  • This actor, producer, model and let’s not forget dancer, has done much on the big screen. Tatum's ancestry is as multifaceted as his talents, including Irish, German, Native American and French. We won’t even delve into the many sports he played growing up.Tatum arrives at the closing night gala premiere of 'Magic Mike' at the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival held at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on June 24, 2012.
  •  Anne is of Irish and French ancestry with distant Native American and German roots as well. Hathaway was born in Brooklyn and grew up in New Jersey, her father a lawyer and her mom an actress. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she went into acting and has starred in fantastic roles.Hathaway arrives at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California.
  • Colin Farrell was born in Ireland and was a Dublin native  when he began studying acting at the Gaiety School of Acting. He established himself as a recognizable talent in Ireland before transitioning to the U.S. Farrell attends the 'Total Recall' UK premiere at Vue West End on August 16, 2012 in London, England.
  • The Irish did some digging of their own and traced The Duchess of Cambridge’s ancestry back to Ireland. Her Irish heritage dates back to the 14th century and even includes a connection to royalty: King Edward III. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Havelock Academy on March 5, 2013 in Grimsby, England.
  • The first ever three-time Oscar winner for ‘Best Actor’ was born Daniel Michael Blake Day-Lewis in London, England and has dual citizenship in both England and Ireland. He is also of Jewish descent.Daniel Day-Lewis arrives at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California.
  • Taylor Swift has Irish roots, but we’re not sure if the luck of the Irish has been passed down to her as well, given the endless drama she’s been the center of, like bad mouthing Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Maybe she should stick to jabbing ex’s and leave the funny stuff to the pros.Taylor Swift, winner of Choice Female Artist award, poses in the press room during the 2012 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on July 22, 2012 in Universal City, California.
  • The hunky, Texas born, all-American has ancestors of Irish, Scottish, and English descent. While McConaughey is an Irish last name, he’s not sure where in Ireland his ancestors hail from. He has however, often been spotted wearing gear repping the Emerald Isle.McConaughey attends the 'Mud' screening at the 2013 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at the Paramount Theatre on March 10, 2013 in Austin, Texas.
  • Fox has credited her unique cultural background for her dreamy blue eyes and high cheek bones and says she is of Irish, French and Native American descent. Staking full claim to her roots, it’s safe to say those ingredients make a fine dish.Fox attends the premiere of Universal Pictures' 'This Is 40' at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
  • Quickly rising as a star, Michael Fassbender has appearances in cult hits soon to be classics. Although born in Germany, Fassbender identifies with his Irish roots from his mother’s side of the family. She hails from Northern Ireland.Michael Fassbender attends the world premiere of 'Prometheus' at the Empire Leicester Square on May 31, 2012 in London, England.
  • Born in Massachusetts and raised Catholic in Sudbury, Chris Evans is very proud of his Irish descent and his mother, who is is half Irish and half Italian. He has been the face of our superheroes on the big screen, most notably Captain America.Chris Evans arrives at 'The Iceman' Premiere during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at the Princess of Wales Theatre on September 10, 2012 in Toronto, Canada.
  • The actress, musician and singer songwriter has graced the silver screen and revealed her multiple talents and comedic skills. Her ancestry is a combination of Irish, English, French, Swiss and Dutch.Zooey Deschanel arrives at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 13, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.
  • Born in Dublin, Ireland to Irish parents, Meyers’ family consisted mostly of musicians. The star, whose birth name is Jonathan Michael Francis O’Keeffe, pursued acting and has also worked as a model, being the face of Versace and Hugo Boss fragrances.Meyers visits BET's 106 & Park at BET Studios on February 2, 2010 in New York City.
  • Although born in Dallas, Texas, Wilson’s family is originally from Massachusetts and of Irish descent. If that’s not enough proof, his trademark nose was broken twice in his childhood; that’s tough as nails Irish blood for you.Wilson poses during a portrait session at the 8th Annual Dubai International Film Festival held at the Madinat Jumeriah Complex on December 10, 2011 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
  • Born in Sacramento, California, Jessica Chastain is quite familiar with her Irish heritage and very proud of it. She even took time to travel back to Ireland with her grandmother to trace her roots. Chastain arrives at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California.
  • Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, this Canadian star has Irish ancestry and it’s not because he was the ‘Green Lantern.’ He is proud of his Irish roots and has visited parts of the Emerald Isle with his brother. Reynolds was also raised Roman Catholic and got his career start on a Canadian produced teen soap.Reynolds attends the 'Safe House' premiere at the SVA Theater on February 7, 2012 in New York City.
  • Heigl is of German-Irish descent, but was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her family lived in Virginia and then settled in Connecticut where she spent most of her childhood.Heigl attends the Paris Premiere of 'One For The Money' film at Cinema Gaumont Marignan on January 31, 2012 in Paris, France.
  • Born at St Mary’s hospital in Drogheda, County Louth, Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor who is known for playing the British spy ‘James Bond.’ After growing up in Ireland he moved to London and began to pursue an acting career.Brosnan attends 'Love Is All You Need' Premiere at The 69th Venice Film Festival on September 2, 2012 in Venice, Italy.
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, Pop Culture Examiner

Brandon Arthur works on the editorial team for Examiner.com. Originally from Illinois, he currently resides in Denver.

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