Orlando Bloom embraces Irish roots

Hollywood star Orlando Bloom is reconnecting with his Irish heritage as he applies for an Irish passport, a move that comes months after his split from pop superstar Katy Perry.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor, 48, revealed the decision during an appearance on Virgin Radio with broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, admitting the choice was influenced by both professional and personal reasons.

“I’m getting my Irish passport,” Bloom confirmed. “My grandfather was actually from Northern Ireland.”

Tubridy joked that many Britons were suddenly “finding a granny down the back of the couch” after Brexit to secure easier travel within Europe. Laughing in agreement, Bloom admitted: “Part of it was actually just for work. When I was working in Prague for a while, there was a whole bunch of new paperwork. But I also love the fact that I’ve got Irish heritage. That’s all it is.”

The actor has previously celebrated his Irish roots. On St Patrick’s Day in 2023, he surprised revellers at The Alma pub in Windsor by taking the microphone and singing a traditional folk ballad, She Moved Through the Fair. His impromptu performance drew cheers from the stunned audience.

Bloom’s Irish connection has also inspired his latest film role. In the psychological thriller The Cut, released this week, he plays a retired Irish boxer attempting to rediscover his form.

The role required a dramatic physical transformation, with Bloom shedding significant weight to embody the character. Appearing on This Morning recently, he described the intense preparation process.

“My nutritionist, who had worked with Christian Bale, monitored my bloods and tiered me down from three meals a day to two, then to one,” Bloom explained. “Eventually, I was just eating tuna and cucumber for the last three weeks. We shot the film in reverse order because of the weight. I had no energy, no brain power — I was hangry and horrible to be around.”

Bloom’s renewed focus on heritage and career comes after his split from fiancée Katy Perry in June, ending their nine-year relationship. The couple share a four-year-old daughter, Daisy, and have reportedly remained on good terms since their separation.

Friends close to the pair have said that co-parenting remains their priority, with both committed to raising Daisy in a stable environment despite the breakup.

Bloom’s Irish passport application reflects a broader trend of Britons seeking EU ties following Brexit. But for the actor, it is also a deeply personal step, connecting him back to his family roots while marking a new chapter in his life.