Mhairi Isla Calvey is a Scottish actress who is hugely passionate about her craft with a love for playing character roles. At the age of 5, Mhairi made her movie debut playing the role of 'Young Murron' in Mel Gibson's film 'Braveheart', which went on to win five Oscars and 'the thistle scene' became one of the most popular Hollywood scenes of all time. Shortly after filming Mhairi returned to school and started her career on stage performing in several theaters around the UK. Mhairi also featured in 'Dressed to Kilt', alongside Sean Connery and Brian Cox, which aired on American TV. At age 18, Mhairi was accepted and given a full Scholarship to the Guildford School of Acting. During her training she made an appearance on the BBC's 'Scotland On Screen' with Alan Cumming. After graduating drama school, Mhairi went on to play leading roles in feature films such as 'Five Pillars', '3 Lives' and 'Abduct' alongside William B Davis and Sienna Guillory. She won best actress for the TV movie 'Gemini' at the L.A Short Film Festival and starred as the title role in the action film 'Eden Grey'. Mhairi also played a guest lead in the series 'Horizon' and starred in 'Alan' directed by Oscar nominated Matthias Lebeer.
Mhairi graduated from the drama school Guildford School of Acting.
Was spotted for the role as Young Murron in Mel Gibsons film Braveheart at the age of 5. Mhairi beat thousands of other actresses around the UK and USA for the role.
Was going to play the Young Joan Of Arc in Luc Bessons film Joan Of Arc. Mhairi was then advised by industry professionals not to go into the world of becoming a child star.
Mhairi also works as a professional model and has done catwalk for L.A and New York fashion week.
She made a guest appearance at Dressed To Kilt in L.A and New York, which aired on television in America. Some of the other actors who took part in the event are Sir Sean Connery, Brian Cox, Gerard Butler, Linda Hamilton, Ashley Jensen, Mike Myers. The event celebrates actors in America and the UK.
Is mentioned in the book From Hollywood to Hollyrood written by Author Lin Anderson.
Is inspired by actors Edward Norton, Cillian Murphy, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Steep, Robert De Niro, Benedict Cumberbatch and Al Pacino. Among her list of favourite directors are Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan and Lars Von Trier.
Is highly trained in Krav Maga martial arts and in a number of weapons.
Her name Mhairi is pronounced Vari and comes from the Celtic language Scottish Gaelic. The name Mhairi means beloved.
In 2012 she appeared as a special guest on the T.V chat show 7 Nights At Birkwood as part of the Haunted Planet season. As part of the show the guests spend the night in a haunted castle together with a group of paranormal investigators. The money raised from doing the show went to the Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health.
Worked as a Radio DJ on weekends while she was in high school.
She enjoys playing the guitar and singing. She is a fan of Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash and Santana.
Related to actor Wolf Kahler (Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark).
Acting is the only job where you can tell the truth. Audiences get an,insight into every detail of the character you play because as actors,we have no fear about where the truth of a person could take us.
[on conspiracies] I had to dig deep for the research on Abduct. Studying,the Illuminati, alien conspiracies and the occult. It was fascinating,and really interests me. It was a wonderful opportunity for a young,actress.
Something that breaks the mold. Growing up I always wanted to play the,roles that male actors got. Now I search for films that give me the,opportunity to play mentally or physically strong parts. Parts that,would normally be played by a man but are now written for women. Plus,anything where I can learn a new skill too is also great.
[on playing Anna in Any Minute Now] I had just left drama school and I,was keen to put all my craft and skills in to practice, Anna gave me,that chance to really push myself. Plus I really wanted to play a lead,role because I never got lead roles at drama school.
[on Filming Alan] It was one of the hardest roles I have had to play,because the research was very intense and dark. It was important to me,to be apart of a film which could shed light on what child and animal,abuse is like. I hope that the film will help spread awareness.
Jon is an actors director. .
