Essex Schoolgirl Delilah Makes Wave as She Shines with Tom Hanks in Hollywood Debut

A 13-year-old girl expresses that she feels “fortunate” to have appeared in her inaugural Hollywood movie – starring alongside Tom Hanks.

Delilah O’Riordan, an arts and academic scholarship recipient at a school in Essex, is featured alongside the two-time Oscar-winning star.

The film is helmed by Robert Zemeckis, whose notable works include Back To The Future, Forrest Gump, and Cast Away.

Delilah portrays the Violin Girl in the movie, playing the child of Downton Abbey actress Michelle Dockery and Midsomer Murders performer Gwilym Lee.

The film, adapted from a graphic novel by Richard McGuire, premiered on Friday.

It narrates the story of numerous generations of families living in the same residence over a century.

While this marks Delilah’s debut in Hollywood, her acting journey began a decade earlier.

In a conversation with BBC Essex, she remarked: “I believe I was three when I participated in my initial pantomime, and I adored it. Ever since, I took on a few other roles.

“I performed in Les Miserables at eight, and following that, I acquired an agent and took on additional roles, leading me to this moment.”

Delilah made her Netflix appearance in the 2022 comedy-drama Christmas on Mistletoe Farm.

She has also appeared in an episode of Call the Midwife, participated in a West End production of Les Miserables, and acted as Lily Potter Jnr in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this project and met so many amazing individuals, from my drivers to every person on set,” Delilah expressed.

“I will forever cherish the memories of this experience.”