Roma Downey Biography
Roma Burnett is a famous author, actress, and producer born on 6 May 1960 in Derry, Northern Ireland. For nine seasons she however played Monica the angel in the CBS television series Touched by an Angel. She also produced the mini-series The Bible for the History Channel and also emerged in it as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Downey’s work as an actress and producer has frequently concentrated on making inspiring and uplifting content. Her hit television series “Touched by an Angel” and the TV miniseries “The Bible” and its sequel “A.D. The Bible Continues” were all well-received by audiences for their positive messages and themes of hope, faith, and love.
Downey has also been a positive role model for women, both through her successful career and her personal life. She has been married to producer Mark Burnett since 2007 and is a mother of three. She has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing work and family and has encouraged women to seek their passions while also prioritizing their families.
10 Quick Facts About Roma Downey
- Name: Roma Downey
- Age: 63 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 6 May
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m)
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Actress, Producer, and Author
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: To be Updated
- Net worth: $100 Million
Roma Downey Age
Downey is 63 years old as of 2023, she was born on 6 May 1960, in Derry, United Kingdom. She celebrates her birthday on 6 May every year and her birth sign is Taurus.
Roma Downey Height
Downey stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m) tall.
Roma Downey Weight
Downey weighs 47.5 kg (105 lbs).
Roma Downey Early Life and Education
Downey was born on 6 May 1960, and raised in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the Bogside district. Roma is named after her two grandmothers, Ro from Rose and Ma from Mary, who joined to make Roma. She also attended Thornhill College, a Catholic girls’ school.
However, her mother, Maureen O’Reilly Downey, a housewife with an interest in the performing arts, died from a heart attack at age 48 when Downey was 10 years old. Her father, Patrick Downey, was a mortgage broker. Her father died when Downey was 20.
Initially, she planned to be a painter and acquired a Bachelor of Arts at Brighton College of Art. Roma studied BA (Hons) Expressive Arts at Brighton Polytechnic. Established at the Falmer campus, she incorporated Art and Drama for her degree. She thereafter went on to study acting in London at The Drama Studio.
Roma Downey Rise to Fame
Downey is an author, actress, and producer who rose to fame after her depiction of Monica on the hit television series “Touched by an Angel.” She was born on May 6, 1960, in Derry, Northern Ireland.
Downey’s interest in acting started at a young age. She attended the Brighton School of Drama in England and then moved to the United States to pursue her career. Her first major acting role was on the soap opera “One Life to Live” in the mid-1980s.
In 1994, Downey landed the role of Monica on “Touched by an Angel,” which aired on CBS for nine seasons. The show became hugely popular and made Downey a household name. She was nominated for an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her role on the show.
After “Touched by an Angel” ended, she continued to act in television and film. She also began producing her own projects, including the television series “The Bible” and its sequel “A.D. The Bible Continues.” In addition, she has authored several books, including “Box of Butterflies” and “Love is a Family.”
Downey has been acknowledged for her work with multiple awards, including the Irish America Hall of Fame, the Irish Film and Television Award, and the Mother Teresa Award. She has also been involved in different philanthropic efforts, including the LightWorkers Media initiative, which aims to create uplifting and inspiring content for all ages.
Roma Downey Parents
Downey was born in Derry, United Kingdom as the daughter of her late parents Patrick Downey (father) who was a mortgage broker, and Maureen O’Reilly Downey (mother), a housewife with an interest in the performing arts.
Roma Downey Siblings
Downey spent her childhood alongside her four siblings; two sisters, Jacinta McLaughlin and Ann Flood, and two older brothers, Lawrence Downey, and John Downey.
Roma Downey Husband
Downey is currently married to her handsome husband Mark Burnett the former Chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group. The couple did their wedding on 28 April 2007 in their Malibu home and they had two step-sons, James Burnett, and Cameron Burnett. She was previously married to David Anspaugh in 1995, and together they are blessed with a daughter, Reilly Marie Downey Anspaugh. They later divorced in 1998. Also, she married Leland Orser an actor but divorced in 1989.
Roma Downey Children
Downey together with her husband Mark Burnett are proud parents of three children; two step-sons, James Burnett, and Cameron Burnett, and a daughter Reilly Marie Downey Anspaugh from her previous marriage with David Anspaugh.
Roma Downey Net Worth
Downey has an estimated net worth of $100 Million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money, and income. Her primary source of income is her career as an Actress, Producer, and Author. Through her various sources of income, Downey has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Roma Downey Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Roma Downey;
Roma Downey Wiki
- Full Names: Roma Burnett OBE
- Popular As: Roma Downey
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Actress, Producer, and Author
- Nationality: British
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christianity
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Roma Downey Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 63 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Date of Birth: 6 May 1960
- Place of Birth: Derry, United Kingdom
- Birthday: 6 May
Roma Downey Body Measurements
- Height / How Tall?: Average
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Dress Size: To be Updated
- Breast Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
- Hip Size: To be Updated
Roma Downey Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Patrick Downey
- Mother: Maureen O’Reilly Downey
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Jacinta McLaughlin, Ann Flood, Lawrence Downey, and John Downey
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Husband: Married to Mark Burnett
- Dating/Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: James Burnett, Cameron Burnett, and Reilly Marie Downey Anspaugh
Roma Downey Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $100 Million
- Salary: To be Updated
- Source of Income: Actress, Producer, and Author
Roma Downey Early Career Experiences
Downey is an Irish actress, producer, and author who is best known for her role as Monica on the television series “Touched by an Angel.” She has also emerged in a number of films, including “The Sons of Mistletoe,” “A Woman Named Jackie,” and “Keeping Up with the Randalls.”
Early in her career, Downey operated as a model and thereafter as a stage actress in Ireland. She also emerged in a few minor television roles in the UK, including the British drama series “The Bill.”
In 1994, she transferred to the United States to pursue her acting career. She soon landed her breakthrough role as Monica in “Touched by an Angel,” which circulated from 1994 to 2003. Her performance on the show gained her vital acclaim and a devoted fan base.
In addition to her acting work, Downey has also performed as a producer. She co-produced the miniseries “A Woman Named Jackie” and the television film “Borrowed Hearts,” among other projects. She also co-created and produced the children’s animated series “Little Angels.”
More lately, Downey has also concentrated on her work as an author and speaker. She has written several books, including “Box of Butterflies” and “Love Is a Family.” She also speaks at events and conferences on topics such as faith, family, and personal growth.
Roma Downey Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
In 1997, Downey had the opportunity to meet and work with Mother Teresa while filming a documentary in Calcutta, India. Downey has said that meeting the nun and humanitarian was a transformative experience for her.
In 2016, Downey was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry and for her philanthropic work.
Downey has been a keynote speaker at the United Nations on several occasions. She has spoken on topics such as the importance of faith and spirituality in building a better world.
Downey has hosted the Dove Awards, which honor excellence in Christian music, multiple times. She has also been a presenter at the ceremony.
In 2013, Downey produced and acted in the television miniseries “The Bible.” The series was a major success and was viewed by millions of people around the world.
Downey has written several books, including “Box of Butterflies” and “Love Is a Family.” She has also been a featured author at events such as the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.
Downey is a regular visitor to Israel, where she has filmed several projects and has been involved in humanitarian work. She has worked with organizations such as Operation Smile to provide medical care to children in need.
Roma Downey Future Aspirations and Goals
Downey has expressed a desire to continue producing films and television shows that uplift and inspire audiences. She has said that she wants to use her platform to create meaningful entertainment that reflects her values.
Downey is passionate about sharing her message of hope, faith, and personal growth with others. She has said that she hopes to speak at more events and conferences in the future.
Downey has written several books already, but she has said that she has more ideas for books that she would like to write. She is passionate about storytelling and hopes to continue sharing her insights and experiences with readers.
Downey has also been involved in humanitarian work throughout her career, and she has expressed a desire to continue making a positive impact in the world. She has said that she wants to use her resources and platform to help others and make a difference.
She is a versatile and multi-talented artist, and she has voiced a desire to investigate new creative endeavors in the future. She has said that she wants to challenge herself and try new things, whether it’s in the world of film, television, writing, or another artistic medium.
Roma Downey Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Downey co-founded Lightworkers Media, a production company that produces faith-based and family-friendly content. The company’s mission is to create uplifting and inspiring entertainment that can have a positive impact on audiences.
Downey is a longtime supporter of Operation Smile, an international medical charity that provides free surgeries to children with cleft lip and cleft palate. She has traveled with the organization to provide medical care to children in need.
Downey is a board member of Dignity Health, a healthcare system that operates hospitals and clinics throughout California. The organization’s mission is to provide compassionate and high-quality healthcare to underserved communities.
Also, she is a board member of the Irish Arts Center in New York City, which celebrates Irish culture and arts through performances, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Downey has been a speaker at the United Nations on several occasions, and she has advocated for the importance of faith and spirituality in building a better world.
She is a patron of Down Syndrome Ireland, an organization that supports people with Down syndrome and their families. She has been involved in fundraising efforts for the organization.
Downey has been a supporter of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which provides medical care to children with serious and chronic illnesses. She has participated in fundraising events for the hospital.
Roma Downey Touched by an Angel
Downey starred as Monica in Touched by an Angel. Touched by an Angel was an American fantasy drama television series that premiered on CBS on September 21, 1994, and ran for 211 episodes over nine seasons[1] until its conclusion on April 27, 2003. Created by John Masius and executive produced by Martha Williamson, the series stars Roma Downey as an angel named Monica, and Della Reese as her supervisor Tess.
Throughout the series, Monica is tasked with bringing guidance and messages from God to various people who are at a crossroads in their lives. From season three onward, they are frequently joined by Andrew (John Dye), the Angel of Death (who first appeared as a recurring character in season two).
Roma Downey The Bible
Downey starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus in The Bible. The Bible was a television miniseries based on the Bible. It was produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett and was broadcast weekly between March 3 and 31, 2013 on the History channel. It has since been adapted for release to theaters as a feature film, the 2014 American epic biblical drama Son of God.
Roma Downey Christmas Movies
Downey has also produced and starred in several Christmas movies, including:
- “The Christmas Box” (1995) – Roma Downey stars in this heartwarming movie about a family who learns the true meaning of Christmas.
- “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” (1997) – Roma Downey narrates this charming animated adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ beloved holiday poem.
- “Borrowed Hearts” (1997) – Roma Downey and Eric McCormack star in this romantic holiday movie about a businessman who hires a single mother and her daughter to pretend to be his family for Christmas.
- “It’s a Miracle: 44 Christmas Stories” (1998) – Roma Downey hosts this collection of heartwarming stories about Christmas miracles.
- “The Sons of Mistletoe” (2001) – Roma Downey stars in this touching holiday movie about a man who opens a home for orphaned boys and learns the true meaning of Christmas.
- “The Christmas Blessing” (2005) – Roma Downey produces and stars in this sequel to “The Christmas Shoes,” which tells the story of a young doctor who learns the true meaning of Christmas from a dying patient.
- “Come Dance with Me” (2012) – Roma Downey executive produces this romantic holiday movie about a man who falls in love with a ballerina while planning a Christmas dance.
Roma Downey Movies and Tv shows
- Touched by an Angel 1994 – 2003
- The Bible 2013
- Son of God 2014
- A.D.: The Bible Continues 2015
- Borrowed Hearts 1997
- A Woman Named Jackie 1991
- The Sons of Mistletoe 2001
- Second Honeymoon 2001
- Come Dance at My Wedding 2009
- Hercules and the Amazon Women 1994
- Little Angels Since 2012
- Ben-Hur
Roma Downey Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Downey was nominated for an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the 1991 television miniseries “A Woman Named Jackie.”
- In 2016, Downey was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry.
- Downey received the Angel Award from Excellence in Media in 2003 for her work as executive producer of the television series “Touched by an Angel.”
- Downey was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2018 for her contributions to the arts and humanitarian work.
- Downey won a People’s Choice Award in 1998 for her role as Monica in “Touched by an Angel.”
- She has won several Irish Post Awards, including the Woman of the Year Award in 2015.
- Downey was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame in 2016 in recognition of her contributions to the arts and philanthropy.
Roma Downey Legacy
Downey’s legacy is seen through her work as an actress and producer of inspirational entertainment, particularly the television series “Touched by an Angel,” which has touched the hearts of millions of viewers around the world. Her stories of faith, hope, and love have had a profound impact on people’s lives.
Downey’s philanthropic and charitable work, specifically with organizations like Operation Smile and Dignity Health, has helped to improve the lives of people in need. Her commitment to making a positive impact in the world has inspired others to do the same.
Roma Downey Anecdotes
Roma Downey and her husband, Mark Burnett, who is also a television producer, first met on a beach in Malibu, California in 2000. They struck up a conversation about their shared interest in spirituality and family, and the rest is history.
Downey and the cast and crew of “Touched by an Angel” filmed the show’s first season in Salt Lake City, Utah. She recalls that the experience was challenging because they were away from their families for long periods of time, but also rewarding because they felt they were making a difference in people’s lives.
Downey and Burnett launched Lightworkers Media in 2011 with the goal of creating uplifting and inspiring content. The name “Lightworkers” comes from Downey’s belief that everyone has the ability to bring light into the world and make a positive difference.
In an interview, she disclosed that her favorite role was Monica, the angel she played on “Touched by an Angel.” She said that the character was close to her heart because of the impact the show had on people’s lives.
When Roma Downey was filming in India in the early 1990s, she had the opportunity to meet Mother Teresa. Downey was deeply moved by the experience and was inspired by Mother Teresa’s commitment to serving the poor and marginalized.
Roma Downey Quotes
Roma Downey Hobbies and Interests:
Cooking: Roma Downey enjoys cooking and has shared recipes on her social media accounts.
Travel: Downey has traveled extensively throughout her career, and has shared photos and stories from her travels on social media.
Fitness: Downey has shared photos and videos of her workout routine on social media, showing her dedication to staying fit and healthy.
Spending time with family: Family is important to Downey, and she has shared photos and stories of spending time with her children and grandchildren on social media
Reading: Downey has shared on social media that she enjoys reading books on spirituality, personal growth, and self-improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roma Downey
Roma Burnett is a famous author, actress, and producer born on 6 May 1960 in Derry, Northern Ireland. For nine seasons she however played Monica the angel in the CBS television series Touched by an Angel. She also produced the mini-series The Bible for the History Channel and also emerged in it as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Downey is a British national born on 6 May 1960, in Derry, United Kingdom.
Downey stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63m) tall.
Downey is currently married to her handsome husband Mark Burnett the former Chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group.
Downey has an approximate net worth of $100 Million. This amount has been accrued from her leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Details about Downey’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much she makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Downey is a resident of Malibu, USA, we shall upload pictures of her house as soon as we have them.
Downey is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of her being sick or having any health-related issues.
Downey is the Executive Producer of “Redeeming Love”, based on the best-selling novel by Francine Rivers. Most recently, Roma produced “On A Wing and A Prayer” for LightWorkers and MGM
Roma Downey Contacts
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