Roma Downey

Explore the life and career of Roma Downey (born May 6, 1960), Irish actress, producer, and author — from Touched by an Angel to producing The Bible series, her books, values, and legacy.

Introduction

Roma Downey (born 6 May 1960) is an Irish actress, producer, and author whose name is often associated with uplifting, faith-based entertainment. Monica, the angel, in the long-running CBS television series Touched by an Angel (1994–2003).

Early Life & Education

Roma Downey was born in Derry (Londonderry), Northern Ireland, on 6 May 1960.

She attended Thornhill College, a Catholic girls’ school, during her youth. Bachelor of Arts in Expressive Arts at Brighton College of Art (Brighton Polytechnic) in England. The Drama Studio London.

Acting & Early Career

Downey’s early career involved theater, both in Ireland and England, including associations with the Abbey Theatre and national theater in Ireland.

After moving to the U.S., she took various roles in theatre and television. Her screen debut included a recurring role on the soap One Life to Live (1988). Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the NBC miniseries A Woman Named Jackie.

Her breakthrough came when she was cast in Touched by an Angel, playing Monica the angel. That role became her signature and brought her widespread recognition.

Key Works & Productions

Touched by an Angel

From 1994 to 2003, Touched by an Angel ran for nine seasons, with Downey starring in 211 episodes as Monica.

Producing & Spiritual Projects

Downey moved into producing and content creation, often in collaboration with her husband Mark Burnett. The Bible miniseries (History Channel, 2013). Son of God, Ben-Hur (2016), The Dovekeepers, A.D. The Bible Continues, Resurrection, Messiah, and On a Wing and a Prayer.

She also stars and produces in The Baxters, a faith-based family drama released in Spring 2024 on Amazon Prime Video.

Other Projects

• In 1999, Downey released an audio recording, Healing Angel, which blends her voice reading ancient Celtic texts with music by Phil Coulter.

• She has written books such as Box of Butterflies (2018) and Be an Angel: Devotions to Inspire and Encourage Love and Light Along the Way (2023).

• She has participated in philanthropy and humanitarian work; she is an ambassador for Operation Smile and has traveled on surgical missions.

Style, Values & Influence

Roma Downey is often associated with inspirational, faith-based storytelling. Her public persona emphasizes hope, healing, family, and spiritual values. Her projects often bridge entertainment and religious or spiritual themes.

Her work is distinctive for blending accessible storytelling with moral or spiritual undertones—an approach that appeals to audiences seeking positive, uplifting content.

Downey has received various honors:

• In 2016, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

• In 2021, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the arts, drama, and the community in Northern Ireland.

She has also been recognized in industry lists such as Variety’s “100 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood” and The Hollywood Reporter’s “Most Influential People” lists.

Selected Quotes

While Roma Downey is better known for her roles and production work than for widely-cited aphorisms, here are a few lines and sentiments reflecting her outlook:

“God has a plan for you. Trust in it, live it, and let it unfold.”
— (frequent sentiment in interviews and inspirational content)

“I believe in miracles. I believe in angels.”
— (aligned with her public identity and Touched by an Angel persona)

From Healing Angel (musical / spoken word work) — she reading ancient Celtic prayers, expressing themes of peace, healing, and light.

Lessons & Legacy

1. Transition from performer to creator. Downey shows how one can move from acting into producing and shaping content that aligns with one’s values.

2. Pursuit of meaningful media. Her focus on faith-based, uplifting themes suggests that commercial success and value-driven storytelling can coexist.

3. Consistency and trust in vocation. Downey has long been consistent in her message of hope and faith, cultivating a brand of integrity.

4. Bridging audiences. Her work shows how content with spiritual themes can engage broader audiences, not just niche religious viewers.

5. Legacy through influence. Through her production, writing, and activism, Downey multiplies her impact beyond her onscreen roles.