Actor Michael Fassbender Gushes About His Kerry Roots

Michael Fassbender may currently be one of the world’s biggest stars and most famous actors - but the Kerryman still vividly remembers his roots, and the exact moment his whole future was laid out in front of him.

Believe it or not, he made his stage debut playing an ugly stepsister in a school production of Cinderella in his hometown of Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Through my work I get to travel all over the world. It’s one of the many perks – alongside kissing Alicia Vikander, he gushed.

I get to meet many different people, many different cultures but I always feel very proud and very lucky to say ‘I come from Kerry, I come from the Kingdom, I come from Killarney, I come from Fossa.' The support for me here in Killarney and Fossa and Kerry takes my breath away.

The X-Men star spoke with pride about his upbringing in the gorgeous surroundings of the Kerry countryside, with Fossa National School and St Brendan’s College getting a special mention.

He also referenced the actor Donnie Courtney, who he describes as “more responsible than anyone” for his introduction to drama and the incredible success he has had as an actor.

Kerry County Council and @KlyChamber inducted Michael Fassbender into Order of Inisfallen in Killarney this evening pic.twitter.com/L1PkFkNtBr
— Kerry County Council (@countykerry) October 7, 2016

???????? Michael Fassbender: "Through my work I get to travel all over the world, it's one of the many perks, alongside kissing Alicia Vikander." pic.twitter.com/qMqX6490q1
— ᴀʟɪᴄɪᴀ ᴠɪᴋᴀɴᴅᴇʀ (@AliciaVikanderD) October 7, 2016

Mom and Dad, I want to thank you... for your wisdom and foresight in moving here and giving Catherine and myself roots in this very special place. It’s only because of this town and its people that I am in a position to receive this award. Thank you to Killarney and to everyone in Killarney.

“He has never shied from his roots in Killarney. You have always retained your links to Killarney. Welcome home!” stated Killarney mayor Brendan Cronin at the ceremony, while recalling Fassbender’s time as an altar server at the local Fossa Church.

What. A. Dote.