He spent much of his early career working in theatre, notably at theAbbey Theatre in Dublin. After playing Michael Evans in the originalWest End andBroadway productions ofBrian Friel's playDancing at Lughnasa in the early 1990s, McSorley started to attract more TV and movie roles. He has appeared in many Hollywood movies includingBraveheart (in which his character "Cheltham" was decapitated by William Wallace at the battle of Stirling) andIn the Name of the Father. One of his most celebrated performances was his lead role inOmagh, a feature-length television drama depicting the effect of theOmagh bombing on the residents of the town. He is also known for playing the mysterious "Father Todd Unctious" in the Christmas special episode ("A Christmassy Ted") of theChannel 4 sitcomFather Ted. His film credits includeThe Constant Gardener, and he was also cast as Queenan inThe Departed but had to pull out (Martin Sheen took over the role).[citation needed] McSorley most recently played the role ofRobert Aske in theShowtime historical dramaThe Tudors. He appeared in the 2010 movieRobin Hood, directed byRidley Scott and starringRussell Crowe.
In November 2019, McSorley was arrested for a breach of the peace. He was also charged with damaging property in a cell atLetterkenny Garda Station. A warrant was issued for his arrest the following month after he failed to appear in court.[4]
