Alisha Weir: ‘I keep this coin with me when I feel anxious or I just need some comfort’

The Matilda star shares the story behind her most treasured possession

Alisha Weir is an Irish actress who has starred in films such as Matilda and Abigail. She was born in 2009 and from a young age was inspired by her two older sisters’ interest in the performing arts. She started her soon-to-be illustrious career in productions from Once at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre to Annie, The Wizard of Oz and Oliver! at the National Concert Hall.

Her captivating stage presence was noted on The Late Late Toy Show in 2017 where she wowed audiences with a rendition of Justin Timberlake’s True Colours.

Her first film appearance was in Don’t Leave Home in 2018, quickly followed by a role in Darklands, and she appeared in Irish series The Wonder in 2022. That year, at just eleven years old, Alisha snagged the coveted role of Matilda in the film adaptation of the hit musical, which was a number one hit on Netflix.

Her most recent film work includes the comedy Wicked Little Letters and lead role in horror comedy Abigail, an adaptation of Dracula’s Daughter (1936) with a stellar cast from Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey, Beauty & The Beast), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Once Upon a Time) and Angus Cloud (Euphoria) – sadly, one of his last roles before his untimely death in 2023.

She is nominated for a Critics’ Choice Movie Award 2025 for Best Young Performer, with The Hollywood Reporter describing her as “mesmerising”. This year, she was also named in Forbes 30 Under 30.

As well as other exciting projects coming up, Alisha will soon lend her voice to the animated feature The Land of Sometime, acting opposite Ewan McGregor.

She lives in Knocklyon, South Dublin, with her family and cites fellow Irish actress Saoirse Ronan as one of her idols. She is set to sit her Junior Cert exams next year, so best of luck to her!

Alisha’s Most Treasured Possession:

“I picked this coin as it’s very special to me. It’s a very old coin my grand-dad had from when he was a young boy, given to him by his dad, my great-grandfather.

My grand-dad passed away when I was only five years old. He gave me his coin and told me to keep it with me when I feel anxious or I just need some comfort. It’s in a special box to keep it safe and I bring it with me to auditions or exams. I feel like it helps me to have it with me and I know that he’s with me wherever I go, looking down on me and wishing only the best for me in my future.” @alishaweir123

AsIAm, founded by Adam Harris in 2014, has a vision for Ireland as a place where every Autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected. AsIAm provides community support through advice, advocacy, support and special interest groups for children and adults with autism. AsIAm provides training programmes in autism awareness and inclusion, and supports businesses to successfully recruit and employ autistic candidates. The charity operates an information line (0818 234 234) and provides support via instant messaging and email (support@asIam.ie).

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